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NOTE S 


RELATIVE TO 


THE LATE TRANSACTIONS 


H \ 




THE MARHATTA EMPIRE. 

■ 


# 


H 






NOTES 


RELATIVE TO ?T 

m f; 6 If 

THE LATE TRANSACTIONS 

IN 

THE MARHATTA EMPIRE. 

■FURT WILLIAM, DECEMBER 15 , 1803 . 

WITH AN 

APPENDIX 

OF 

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS, 

AND ALSO 

Cngtairings 

ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE SEVERAL BATTLES, 

FROM 

DRAWINGS TAKEN ON THE SPOT 

LONDON: 

PRINTED EOR J. DEBEETT, PrCCADlLLY. 


1S04. 









R.Taylo*, 1 

Black-Horse-Court. j 




, c - 


• ' j- 4 






RELATIVE TO 


THE LATE TRANSACTIONS 





IN THE 

MARHATTA EMPIRE. 


The predatory states composing the Marhatta power have never 
been united under any regular form of confederation, or by any system 
of constitutional laws, or of established treaties, which can be com¬ 
pared to any imperial constitution or general confederation existing in 
Europe. A vague and indefinite sentiment of common interest how¬ 
ever, founded principally upon their common origin and civil and 
religious usages, and upon their common habits of conquest and de¬ 
predation, has established a certain degree of union amongst them, 
from the period of their first success, throughout every stage of the 
decline of the Moghul empire: the same indefinite but acknowledged 
confederacy has subsisted between the Marhattas since the entire de¬ 
struction of the Moghul empire, and, together with other causes, has 
enabled several of these adventurers to erect states of considerable 
military resource and political power. 

The power of the peishwah however for many years past has been For an account 
acknowledged by all the Marhatta states*, and universally by all the tution of the 

* The rajah of Berar does not deny the nominal supremacy of the rajah of Sattarah, 
whose authority is represented by the peishwah, nor the sovereign executive powers an¬ 
nexed to the hereditary office of peishwah ; but he claims the office of peishwah for himself 
in right of his descent from the family of Sevajee, the ancestor of the rajah of Sattarah, 
and the founder of the Marhatta power. 


B 


other 



2 


Marhatta em¬ 
pire, and of the 
peishwah’s fa¬ 
mily, vide Ap¬ 
pendix A. 


other states of India, to be the constitutional representative of the 
sovereign executive authority of the Marhatta empire, and the prin¬ 
cipal chieftains have been considered ostensibly as the subjects and 
officers of the peishwah’s government. 


The British government therefore has concluded its general treaties 
with theMarhattas through the authority of the peishwah; and although 
in some of those engagements individual chieftains have been admitted 
to act as guarantees, the independent right of the peishwah to con¬ 
clude treaties with any power in India has never been denied; nor has 
it ever been attempted to assert a claim on the part of any of the 
chieftains, to limit the independent right of the peishwah to form 
treaties and alliances without the advice or consent of any chieftain of 
the Marhatta empire. 


On the other hand, these chieftains have exercised the right of con¬ 
cluding treaties and alliances, independently of the peishwah’s autho¬ 
rity, and without his sanction or concurrence; and the British go¬ 
vernment recently concluded a treaty of subsidy with the guikwar, 
without the previous sanction of the peishwah; reserving, however, all 
the peishwah’s rights in the state of the guikwar. 


At the commencement of the war against Tippoo Sultaun, in 
the year 1789, lord Cornwallis, in forming k defensive alliance with 
the Marhatta power against the power of Mysore, resorted to the 
peishwah’s acknowledged authority as the best security for such an 
alliance, and accordingly negotiated, and concluded on the 1st of June 
1790, the treaty of Poonah with the peishwah, without reference to 
any of the subordinate chieftains. 


In that war, the assistance which lord Cornwallis derived from the 
Marhattas proceeded exclusively from the peishwah’s authority, aided 

by 


3 


by the feudal tributaries immediately subject to tlie state of Poonah. 
Neither Scindiah nor the rajah of Berar were parties to that alliance; 
and it is well known that Mahdajee Scindia was adverse to its prin¬ 
ciples and objects; and that at the close of that war in 1792 Mahdajee 
Scindiah moved his army towards Poonah, with intentions unfavour¬ 
able to the British interests. 

At the conclusion of the war in 1792 the peishwah was a party to 
the treaty of peace at Seringapatam; nor was any attempt made at that 
time to assert a claim on the part of the subordinate chieftains of the 
Marhatta empire to be consulted in that important arrangement, which 
established a new balance of power throughout India, by the reduc¬ 
tion of the power of Mysore, by the augmentation of the British ter¬ 
ritories and of those of the nizam, and finally of the separate here¬ 
ditary territories of the peishwah. 

In the division therefore of Tippoo Sultaun’s territory, and of his 
treasure, which followed the treaty of Seringapatam in 1792, the peish¬ 
wah obtained a considerable accession of territory to his hereditary 
dominions, and a large sum of money, without the advice, consent, or 
participation of any subordinate chieftain of the Marhatta empire. 

When lord Cornwallis, in the course of the year 1793, proposed a 
general defensive alliance to the Marhatta power and to the nizam, 
his lordship addressed the proposition to the peishwah, and received, 
as conclusive, a reply from the peishwah through the durbar of 
Poonah, without any reference to the subordinate chieftains. 

The policy of considering the authority of the peishwah as the le¬ 
gitimate and constitutional representative of the Marhatta power was 
wise and just. It is evident that the acknowledged authority of the 
peishwah furnished the most secure basis of an amicable alliance be- 

B 2 tween 


4 


tween the British government in India and the Marhatta power, and 
at the same time afforded the most just and effectual means of con¬ 
trolling the predatory spirit of the subordinate chieftains, and of 
checking any disposition which might arise amongst them of a ten¬ 
dency adverse to the British interests, or to the general tranquillity of 
India. 

Some of these chieftains, however, appear to have considered the 
alliance between the British government and the peishwah to be adverse 
to their interests; and although its tendency at all times has been rather 
to secure than to disturb the feudatory Marhatta states in the pos¬ 
session of their separate territories and distinct rights, their characte¬ 
ristic spirit of habitual rapacity and lawless ambition has inclined them 
to view with jealousy an alliance, the vigour and efficiency of which 
must always have opposed obstacles to any invasion of the legitimate 
authority of the peishwah. 

During the period of time which elapsed between the conclusion of 
the peace of Seringapatam in 1792 and the commencement of lord 
Wellesley’s administration in India in May 1798, the rapacity and 
ambition of Dowlut Rao Scindiah * had impaired the authority of 
the peishwah to such a degree, as to have frustrated every benefit 
which lord Cornwallis intended to secure to the British interests by 
the alliance with the peishwah. 

* Ranojee Scindiah, an officer in the service of Bajee Rao the first peishwah, had five 
sons, one of whom died young; the other four were Jye Appa Scindiah, Dutta Jee Puttail, 
Kiddar Rao Scindiah, and Madhajee Scindiah. Jye Appa Scindiah was killed in Jodepoor. 
Dutta Jee Puttail was killed in the vicinity of Delhi, in a battle with Nujeeb-oo-Dowlah, 
the governor of the district of Seharanpoor. Kiddar Rao Scindiah died a natural death. 
Madhajee Scindiah died on the 12th of February 1794, without male issue, and was suc¬ 
ceeded on the 3d of March following by his adopted son Dowlut Rao Scindiah, who is 
the son of Kiddar Rao Scindiah. 


Dowlut 


Dowlut Rao Scindiah had absolutely usurped the government of 
Poonah, and had established himself in the vicinity of that city with a 
powerful army, the regular infantry and artillery of which had been 
disciplined, and were then commanded principally, by French officers. 

When lord Wellesley, at the close of the year 1798, required the 
peishwah, in consequence of Tippoo Sultaun’s aggression, to fulfill the 
conditions of the subsisting defensive alliance against Mysore, the 
justice of that demand was deemed irresistible, even by the perverse 
counsels of Poonah under the undue influence of Dowlut Rao Scin¬ 
diah. The peishwah’s ministers therefore ostensibly acquiesced in the 
demand; and that experienced statesman Nana Furnavees, who was 
then verging to the close of his career, would certainly have fulfilled 
the conditions of the alliance, had not the wisdom of his advice been 
overborne by the violence of Dowlut Rao Scindiah. 

Under this overbearing influence, notwithstanding the acquiescence 
of the court of Poonah in the justice and necessity of the war against 
Tippoo Sultaunin 1798, and notwithstanding the peishwah’s declaration 
of his intention to co-operate in that war according to the terms of the 
subsisting alliance, the Marhattas not only afforded no assistance to the 
British government in the prosecution of the war, which terminated 
on the fourth of May 1799, but actually - maintained a secret and 
treacherous correspondence with Tippoo Sultaun and his ministers and 
officers down to the period of the fall of Seringapatam; and even after 
that memorable event, the emissaries of the Marhatta government 
(under the domination of Scindiah, who then governed the durbar of 
Poonah,) attempted to excite the family and remaining officers of the 
deceased sultaun to resist the settlement of Mysore. 

Notwithstanding the entire failure of the peishwah in discharging 
the obligations of public faith to the British government under the al¬ 
liance 


6 


liance concluded by lord Cornwallis with the Marhatta power, lord 
Wellesley, in dividing Tippoo Sultaun s dominions in the year 1 r99, 
offered a ? considerable share of territory to the peishwah. The' go¬ 
vernor general, however, annexed to this liberal grant conditions cal¬ 
culated to revive the alliance with the peishwah on a secure basis. The 
peishwah, therefore, was induced by Dowlut Rao Scindiah to reject the 
proffered grant; and consequently the territory which had been des¬ 
tined for the Marhattas was divided between the remaining allies, the 
nizam and the British government. 

Propositions of the most amicable nature were at the same time off 
fered to Dowlut Rao Scindiah : but when it is recollected that the most 
efficient part of his military power was under the command and in¬ 
fluence of French adventurers, his rejection of all friendly overtures 
from the British government may be traced to other causes, in addi¬ 
tion to that spirit of usurpation and plunder which urged him to seize 
the government of Poonah, to prohibit the peishwah from cementing 
the ties of amity with his highness’s antient ally the company, and even 
to compel that unfortunate prince to violate his public faith with the 
company, at the expense not only of reputation and honour, but of 
every interest which the peishwah could be supposed to feel as a sove¬ 
reign prince, in the independence of his own authority, in the security 
of his own power, and in the extension of his hereditary territory and 
revenue. 

Previously, therefore, to the commencement of the last war in 
Mysore, the usurpation of a subordinate chieftain of the Marhatta 
empire had in effect dissolved the alliance formed by lord Cornwallis 
with the Marhatta power, upon the basis of the peishwah’s authority; 
and Dowlut Rao Scindiah, the chieftain by whose usurpation the al¬ 
liance between the' Marhatta power and the British government had 
been dissolved, had effected that object by the presen.ce of a powerful 

army 


7 


army formed under the command of French adventurers, and consi¬ 
derably advanced in discipline, military skill and science, under a 
system of which the further progress will appear in the narrative of the 
events of the present war. 

The destruction of the hostile power of Mysore, accompanied by 
the consolidation of our alliances with the court of Hyderabad, had 
left no antagonist to the British government among the native states in 
India, excepting the Marhatta power. 

The Marhatta states, unconnected with any European ally, could 
never become formidable to the British government, excepting in the 
event of an actual union of the feudal chiefs of the empire under an 
efficient sovereign power, or in the event of a revolution, which should 
unite the command of the resources of a large portion of the Marhatta 
territory in the hands of an active and enterprising chief. Such events, 
however to be deprecated, might have been encountered without ap¬ 
prehension by the British government, in the commanding position of 
its foreign relations, and in the vigorous condition of its internal re¬ 
sources and concentrated strength. 

But it was obviously prudent to employ every endeavour to effect 
such an arrangement as should preclude the union of the Marhatta 
states under any circumstances which might menace interruption to 
the tranquillity of our possessions, or of those of our allies. With 
this view, it appeared to be expedient to receive under the protection of 
the general defensive system, of which the foundation was laid by the 
treaty with the nizam concluded in 1800, such of the Marhatta states 
as might be disposed to enter into subsidiary engagements with the 
British government. On this principle, a subsidiary treaty was con¬ 
cluded with the guikwar in 1802, the operation of which attached that 

state 


8 


state to the company, and secured to the company a valuable and im¬ 
portant territorial establishment in the maritime province of Guzerat. 
The most effectual arrangement, however, for securing the British go¬ 
vernment against any danger from the Marhatta states, appeared to be 
an intimate alliance with the acknowledged sovereign power of the 
Marhatta empire, founded upon principles which should render the 
British influence and military force the main support of that power. 

' Such an arrangement appeared to afford the best security for preserving 
a due balance between the several states constituting the confederacy 
of the Marhatta empire, as well as for preventing any dangerous union 
or diversion of the resources of that empire. 

It has always been a principal object of the British government, to 
prevent the sovereign power of the Marhatta state, or the power of any 
great branch of the Marhatta empire, from passing into the hands of 
France. While the views of the government of France shall be di¬ 
rected to the establishment of its authority within the peninsula of 
Hindostan, it is manifestly the policy of the British government to ac¬ 
complish such a system of alliances with the powers of India, as may 
preclude the occurrence of those internal convulsions which would 
afford to France the most favourable opportunity of effecting her am¬ 
bitious purpose. 

The disturbed state of the Marhatta empire would have afforded 
an advantageous opportunity to the government of France for the 
successful prosecution of its favourite object, of establishing a domi¬ 
nion within the peninsula of Hindostan, by the introduction of a mi¬ 
litary force, for the purpose of aiding the cause of one of the contend¬ 
ing parties; and the views of France would have been materially 
For an account favoured by the strength and efficiency of monsieur Perron’s force, 
xon's force, as established with a great territorial dominion extending towards the left 

bank 


0 


bank of the Indus through the Punjaub*, and comprehending Agra, 
Delhi, and a large portion of the doab of the Jumna and Ganges, on 
the most vulnerable part of our north-western frontier of Hindostan; 
and holding the person and nominal authority of the unfortunate Shah 
Aulum (the deposed Moghul emperor) in the most abject and de¬ 
grading subjection f. 

The endeavours of the governor general have therefore been em¬ 
ployed, for some years past, to establish, between the peishwah and the 

* Punjaul , (or the country of the Five Rivers,) the country contained between the five 
branches of the river Indus, from the 30th to the 32d degree of north latitude, and from 
the 70 th to the 75th degree of east longitude. 

f The annual revenue of the countries subject to monsieur Perron, derived from the ter¬ 
ritorial possessions as well as from other resources, are stated to have amounted to one 
cr ore and thirty-Jive lacsoj' rupees , or about 1 , 700 , 000 /. sterling . 

Although the regular corps in Scindiah’s service were first formed by monsieur de Boigne, 
it was his practice to admit into the service British as well as French officers ; but since his 
resignation, the object of monsieur Perron (who succeeded to his authority) has been di¬ 
rected to the exclusion of British officers, and to the establishment of a military power 
exclusively commanded by Frenchmen. This plan had been carried into effect with con¬ 
siderable success ; and monsieur Perron, it is supposed, only waited the arrival of French 
officers, to dismiss the whole body of British officers remaining in the service of Scindiah. 

DowlutRao Scindiah holds the appointment of deputy to the vaquel ul mutuluk, which 
last is an office similar to that of a regent or viceroy, exercising almost independent powers 
of sovereignty under the great moghul. 

The office of vaquel ul mutuluk being holden by the peishwah, Scindiah in his quality 
of deputy administered the affairs of the nominal Moghul empire; and the fiction was car^- 
ried to so great a length, that monsieur Perron called his army the “ imperial army ,” and 
himself a servant and subject of the emperor or great moghul. 

Thpre is every reason to believe that the government of France intended to make the un¬ 
fortunate emperor of Hindostan the main instrument of their designs in India, and to avail 
themselves of the authority of his majesty’s name to re-establish their influence and power. 
A plan to this effect was actually submitted to the chief consul of France, in 1801, by an 
officer who afterwards accompanied general Decaen to India in 1803. A copy of this plan 
is now in the possession of the governor general. 

C 


well as the 
whole of Sein- 
diah’i army, see 
Appeadk B. 


British 


10 


British government, such a connection as might secure the stability 
and efficiency of the peishwah’s authority, under the protection of the 
British power, without injury to the rights of the feudatory chieftains 
of the Marhatta empire. 

The efforts of the governor general for that purpose were renewed 
at those seasons of difficulty and danger when the peishwah’s inde¬ 
pendence was controlled, and when the existence of his government 
was exposed to hazard, by the violence, rapacity, and ambition of his 
feudatory chieftains. Had the peishwah then assented to the moderate 
and salutary propositions which were offered to his acceptance, he could 
not have been exposed to the disastrous event by which (on the 25th of 
October 1802) he was expelled from Poonah, by which his authority 
was subverted, his person endangered, and his country and capital 
abandoned to devastation and plunder. 

Notwithstanding the frequent disappointments which occurred in 
the accomplishment of his salutary views, the governor general de- 
1802. termined, in the month of June 1802, to renew his negotiations for the 
conclusion of an improved system of alliance with the court of 
ofthwe^enj Poonah. The increased distractions of the Marhatta state, and the 
A d wH?h e coi- successes of Jeswunt Rao Holkar, (an illegitimate son of the late 
count a of a the Tuckojee Holkar,) against the forces of Scindiah, appeared to constitute 
noikar family. ^ cr * s * s Q f a ff a i rs favourable to the complete establishment of the in¬ 
terests of the British power in the Marhatta empire, without the hazard 
of involving it in a contest with any party. 

The danger to which Scindiah’s separate dominions and hereditary 
interests had been exposed by the success of Holkar, and the ruin 
which must have ensued to Scindiah’s affairs if Holkar had been able 
to establish himself in the usurpation of the peishwah’s government, 
appeared to constitute sufficient motives to counterbalance both Scin¬ 
diah’s 


11 


diah’s jealousy of the British power, and his inordinate desire of 
usurping the same authority at Poonah, which Holkar was prepared to 
seize. Scindiah’s immediate personal safety was endangered, and the 
restoration of the peishwah under the British protection at that 
moment offered the only probable means of affording Scindiah a 
respite from the violence of Holkar. On the other hand, Holkar, being 
a mere adventurer, and his resources and power altogether precarious, 
might have been expected to relinquish without regret his pursuits 
of irregular ambition and temporary rapine at Poonah, for the more, 
secure and substantial benefit of a permanent establishment under the 
British protection. 

In the course of the discussions which ensued between his highness 
the peishwah and the British resident, in consequence of the governor 
general’s instructions of the 23d of June 1802, the peishwah mani¬ 
fested considerable anxiety to contract engagements with the British 
government, but continued (under the terror of that ascendancy 
which Scindiah, although absent, still continued to maintain over the 
counsels of the peishwah, and with the habitual irresolution of a Mar- 
hatta,) to withhold his consent to any admissible modification of the 
governor general’s propositions, until Jeswunt Rao Holkar actually ar¬ 
rived at the head of a large army in the neighbourhood of Poonah. 
The combined army of the peishwah and of Scindiah marched from 
Poonah under the command of Suddasheo Bhow, for the purpose of 
encountering Holkar’s force. On the 25th of October 1802 the two 
armies engaged ; and on the same day the peishwah sent his. minister 
to the British resident with a paper, desiring the establishment of a 
subsidiary force of six battalions of sepoys, with the usual comple¬ 
ment of artillery, and conveying a sunnud (or grant) for territory to 
the annual amount of twenty-five lacks of rupees, proposed to be ceded 
in perpetuity to the honourable company, for the payment of that 
force. The minister at the same time assured the resident of the 

c 2 peishwah’s 


1 802 . 



June 23. 


October 25. 


12 


]802 . peishwah’s earnest desire that a general defensive alliance should be 

'-v-' concluded and carried into effect, at the earliest practicable period of 
time, between his highness and the company, on the principles of the 
treaty concluded at Hyderabad in the month of October 1800. No 
reason existed to warrant a doubt of the Peishwah s sincerity to the ex¬ 
tent compatible with the timidity of his character. His highness might 
be deemed to be indifferent to the success of either contending party, 
and to be equally menaced by the usurpation of Scindiah and by that 
of Holkar. The approach of Holkar, however, relieved the Peishwah 
from any immediate fear of Scindiah, and left his highness at liberty 
to embrace the British protection. 

November i 6 . The governor general ratified this engagement on the day on which 
he received it, and signified to the peishwah his determination to em¬ 
ploy every effort of the British power for the restoration of his high¬ 
ness’s just authority. With a view to include the several branches of 
the Marhatta empire in the proposed general alliance, the governor ge¬ 
neral availed himself of this opportunity to renew his invitation to 
Dowlut Rao Scindiah to partake the benefits of the treaty proposed to 
be concluded with the peishwah, and accordingly directed colonel 
Collins to proceed from Futty Ghur to Scindiah’s camp, for the pur¬ 
pose of proposing the terms on which Scindiah might be admitted 
to the benefits of the general defensive engagements already concluded 
with the peishwah. 

The engagement between the combined army of the peishwah and 
Scindiah, and that commanded by Holkar, terminated in the total de¬ 
feat of the former with considerable loss. After the action, the 
peishwah retired with an inconsiderable body of cavalry to a fortress 
in the vicinity of Poonah, whence he prosecuted his march towards the 
Cokan*. 

* The narrow tract of country along the western coast of India, contained between the 
province of Canara and Bombay, and bounded by the western ghauts. 


The object of Holkar was to obtain possession of the person of his 
highness the peishwah, and to compel his highness to establish such an 
administration as might secure Holkar’s ascendancy, to the exclusion 
of Scindiah’s power. In the event of the failure of this project, the 
second plan of Holkar was to invite to Poonah Amrut Rao, (the 
adopted son of the late Ragobah,) to place the son of Amrut Rao on the 
musnud, and invest Amrut Rao with the office of prime minister. 
Holkar himself was to assume the general command of the troops of 
the state. 

Finding that the peishwah had effected his retreat to Mhar, a fort in 
the Cokan, situated on the river of Baricoote, Holkar detached a force 
to Jejoory, a fort about thirty miles south-east of Poonah, and the 
actual residence of Amrut Rao, and brought that chieftain to Poonah 
for the purpose of carrying this plan into execution; and although 
Amrut Rao appears to have been adverse to the arrangement, the af¬ 
fairs of government were, in conformity to Holkar’s plan, conducted 
at Poonah under the authority of Amrut Rao’s name. 

In the mean while the peishwah signified to the government of 
Bombay, that it was his highness’s intention to seek refuge at that pre¬ 
sidency; and his highness actually availed himself of the offer which 
had been made to him of the ship Herculean, for the purpose of con¬ 
veying him from Mhar to a strong fort in another part of the Cokan, 
named Savendroog, where his person was likely to be perfectly secure 
against the attempts of the rebels and usurpers. 

In the existing state of the affairs of the Marhatta empire, it would 
have been a measure of indispensable precaution to have assembled a 
considerable army of observation upon the frontier of the Marhatta 
territories, for the purpose of securing our own provinces, and those 
of our allies the nizam and the rajah of Mysore, agaijist the attack of 

the 


14 


■T 602 * 



tlie chiefs at Poonah, as well as of repelling the predatory incursion of 
any vagrant freebooter, whom the issue of the contest might compel 
to seek subsistence in the British dominions, or in those of our allies. 
These important considerations, combined with the application made to 
the governor of Fort St. George by the resident at Poonah, acting 
under the orders of the governor general, induced lord Clive, early in 
the month of November 1802, to assemble a considerable force at 
Flurryhur*, on the north-western frontier of Mysore, without waiting 
the arrival of direct instructions from the governor general for that 
purpose. The governor of Bombay pursued the same wise and salu¬ 
tary course of vigilance and precaution, by preparing for immediate 
service the disposable force at that presidency. A considerable detach¬ 
ment of the subsidiary force at Hyderabad was also ordered, by the re¬ 
sident at that court, to be prepared for eventual service in the field, in 
conformity to a requisition for that purpose from the resident at 
Poonah. 

During these transactions several conferences were holden at 
Poonah between the resident lieutenant-colonel Close, Holkar, and 
Amrut Rao, in which both these chieftains expressed their solicitude 

* Force assembled at Hurryhur under the command of lieutenant-general Stuart. 

Abstract. 

Cavalry, - - - 3581 

Artillery, - - 390 

European infantry, - - 2845 

Native infantry, - - 12,182 

18,998 

With 800 pioneers, and 563 gun las- 
cars; with 4 iron twelve- and 4 iron eighteen- 
pounders ; 4 brass twelve-pounders; 40 field- 
pieces, 12 galloper guns, and 4 howitzers. 


Cavalry. Eur 

. Nat. 

Total. 

H. M. 19 th dra-V 



goons, >975 

25th do. J 

2606- 

-3581 

Artillery - 390 

Gun lascars 

563 

390 

Infantry. 



5 companies of H. M. ^ 
33d regiment, 

H. M. 73d ditto, 

H. M. 74th ditto, 

H. M. Scotch brigade, J 

i 2,845 


12 batts. of sepoys. 

12,183 



15,027 


Total 18,998 


for 






15 


for the preservation of the friendship of the British government, and isoe. 
directly and earnestly applied to the resident for his advice and me- 
diation in effecting an accommodation with the peishwah. About 
the same time the governor general also received a letter from Dowlut 
Rao Scindiah, under date the 24th of November, soliciting the ^con¬ 
tinuance of the friendship of the British government towards hie state 
and that of the peishwah, and containing a request that the governor 
general would act in concert with Scindiah during the existing crisis, 
of affairs at Poonah. 


Having with difficulty obtained permission to quit Poonah, lieu¬ 
tenant-colonel Close, the British resident, left that capital on the 28th November 28 . 
of November, and reached Bombay on the 3d of December. The December 3 . 
capital of the Marhatta empire remained in the possession of the re¬ 
bels and usurpers. Towards the end of the month of November the 
peishwah embarked from Savendroog under convoy of the Herculean, 
and arrived at Bassein on the 16th of December, attended by a small December is, 
escort of about one hundred and thirty followers. His highness was 
immediately waited upon by lieutenant-colonel Close, and the 18th of 
December was fixed for the day on which the peishwah would enter 
on the discussion of the definitive treaty with the British government. 
Accordingly, early in the morning of the 18th of December 1802, lieu- December is. 
tenant-colonel Close attended the peishwah at his highness’s place of 
residence on the island of Bassein, and submitted to his highness’s 
consideration a draft of the definitive treaty of alliance proposed to be 
concluded. The discussion lasted until sun-set, by which time the 
peishwah and his ministers agreed to the draft, with some alterations 
which were admitted by colonel Close. The treaty was signed, sealed, ?reSfof bIs- 
and delivered on the 31st December 1802 at Bassein, and on the 18th sem concIuded * 
of March 1803 the peishwah received the counterpart of the treaty, 1 st¬ 

ratified by the governor general in council, with demonstrations of the Treaty 0 f b 2S - 

. . _ sein ratified by 

highest satisfaction. 

In. 


16 


1803 . In conformity to the plan of operations which the governor general 
the governor had directed to be adopted for the restoration of the peishwah to the 
Sncu^th musnud at Poonah, the whole of the subsidiary force * stationed with 
ceived by the Bis highness the nizam, amounting to about 8368 men, marched from 
the i8thMarch. FJyderabad at the close of the month of February, and on the 25th of 
^ February March reached the town of Paramdah, a station on the western fron¬ 
tier of the nizam’s dominions, situated at the distance of one hundred 
and sixteen miles from Poonah. The subsidiary force was accom¬ 
panied by 6,000 of the nizam’s disciplined infantry, and about 9,000 
cavalry, under leaders of approved valour and attachment. 

February 2. Under instructions from the governor general of the 2d of February 
1803, lord Clive, aided by the judgment of lieutenant-general Stuart, 
was empowered to determine the time at which it might be proper for 
the British troops to advance into the Marhatta territories, and the 
amount of the force to be detached from the main army assembled on 
the frontier of Mysore for that purpose. 

February 27. Adverting to the importance and expediency of securing the early 
arrival of the British troops at Poonah, lord Clive on the 27th of Febru¬ 
ary instructed lieutenant-general Stuart, then present with the army 
on the frontier of Mysore, to adopt the necessary measures for the 
march of the British troops into the Marhatta territory, leaving it to 
the judgment of lieutenant-general Stuart to determine the amount 
of the force necessary to be detached from the main body of the 
army. 

The command of the advanced detachment necessarily required the 
united exertion of considerable military skill and of great political 

* Subsidiary force: two regiments of native cavalry, six battalions of sepoys, and two 
companies of artillery. 


experience 


17 


experience and discretion; and lord Clive was therefore of opinion, 
that it could not be confided with equal prospects of advantage to any 
other person than the honourable major-general Wellesley, whose ex¬ 
tensive local knowledge, and personal influence among the Marhatta 
chieftains (acquired by his conduct in the command of Mysore, and 
by his victories over Doondiah and other refractory chiefs), were pe¬ 
culiarly calculated to ensure success to the intended operations. Lord 
Clive accordingly desired that general Wellesley might be appointed 
to the command of the advanced detachment, under instructions to be 
furnished to him by lieutenant-general Stuart, according to the spirit 
of the governor general’s orders of the 2d of February 1803. 

In conformity to those instructions, lieutenant-general Stuart di¬ 
rected a detachment from the main army assembled at Hurryhur, to 
be formed under the command of major-general Wellesley, for the 
purpose of advancing into the Marhatta territory. The detachment 
consisted of one regiment of European and three regiments of native 
cavalry, two regiments of European and six battalions of native infan¬ 
try, with a due proportion of artillery, amounting altogether to about 
9707 men; and to this force were added 2500 of the rajah of Mysore’s 
horse *. 

Major-general Wellesley commenced his march from Hurryhur on 
the 9th of March, and crossed the Tumbudra river on the 12th. 1 he 

progress of the British troops through the Marhatta territories was most 
successful. They were every where received as friends, and almost all 

* Here it may be observed that the power and resources of Mysore, which had hitherto 
been opposed to us in every contest with the native states of India, were now, in-conse¬ 
quence of the conquest of Seringapatam in 17-99, applied to the aid of the British govern¬ 
ment, and afforded essential assistance. By the subsidiary treaty of Seringapatam, con¬ 
cluded in 1799, the rajah of Mysore is bound to co-operate in the most effectual manner 
with the British-government when engaged in hostilities. 

D 


1803. 
v — t 


The detach¬ 
ment under 
major-general 
Wellesley com¬ 
mences its. 
march towards 
Poonah on the 
9th of March. 
March 12th. 


the 


18 


the chiefs in the vicinity of the route of the detachment joined 
with their forces, and accompanied the British army to Poonah* 
The amicable conduct of the jagheerdars and of the inhabitants 
(arising principally from the fame which the British arms had acquired 
in the campaign under major-general Wellesley’s command against 
Doondiah Waugh,) contributed to enable our army to perform this 
long march, at a most unfavourable season of the year, without loss or 
distress. Great merit is also to be ascribed to the ability, temper, 
activity, and skill of major-general Wellesley* in directing the system 
of the supply and movement of the troops, in preventing plunder and 
all excess, and in conciliating the inhabitants of the districts through 
which his route was directed. 

The nizam’s subsidiary force, under colonel Stevenson, arrived^ 
within a short distance of major-general Wellesley’s force at Aklooss, 
April 15. a town within eight miles of the Neera river, on the 15th of April, and 
was the next day reinforced from major-general Wellesley’s army by 
his majesty’s Scotch brigade. Jeswunt Rao Holkar had left Poonah 
some time previous to this period, and the native officers who com¬ 
manded the corps which he had detached to the southward retreated 
with precipitation as general Wellesley advanced. On the 15th of 
April Holkar had reached Chandore (about one hundred and thirty 
miles'N. N. E. from Poonah), and Amrut Rao alone remained at Poonah 
with about 1500 men. 

Under these circumstances, it appeared to major-general Wellesley 
unnecessary to advance to Poonah all the troops destined to effect the 
restoration of the peishwah: and as the country was much exhausted, 
and a general deficiency of forage prevailed, general Wellesley deter¬ 
mined to dispose of the troops in such situations that the whole might 
procure forage and subsistence, and might easily form a junction in 
case that measure should appear to be advisable. Accordingly, 

general 



19 


general Wellesley ordered colonel Stevenson to march from his 
position near Aklooss to Gardoon, to leave near that place, within the 
nizam’s dominions, all his highness’s troops, and to place himself with 
the British subsidiary troops in a position on the Beemah river towards 
Poonah, near its junction with the Mota Mola river. 

After having completed these arrangements, general Wellesley con¬ 
tinued his march towards Poonah by the road of Baramooty. The 
general had received repeated intimations from colonel Close, that 
Amrut Rao, who still remained at Poonah, intended to plunder and 
burn that city on the approach of the British troops; and at last major- 
general Wellesley received an urgent request from the peishwah, then at 
Bassein, to detach some of his highness’s troops in order to provide 
for the safety of his highness’s family still remaining at Poonah. It 
was obvious that even if general Wellesley could have prevailed on the 
officers of the peishwah’s troops to march to Poonah, the force was 
not of a description or strength to prevent the execution of Amrut 
Rao’s design; and general Wellesley determined, therefore, to move 
forward with the British cavalry and the Marhatta troops belonging to 
the peishwah, as soon as the British army should arrive within the 
distance of a forced march from Poonah. In the mean time intelli¬ 
gence was received that Amrut Rao was still in the neighbourhood of 
Poonah on the 18th of April, and that he had removed the peishwah’s April is. 
family to the fortress of Saogur, a measure which was generally sup¬ 
posed to be preparatory to the destruction of the city. Major-general 
Wellesley therefore marched on the 19th of April 1803, at night, , over a A P r11 
most rugged country, and through a difficult pass (the Little Bhoor- 
ghaut), about forty miles, to Poonah, which city he reached at the head 
of the cavalry on the 20th, making the total distance marched by the April 20. 
cavalry, with major-general Wellesley in person at their head, since the wXsify 1 " 31 
morning of the 19th (thirty-two hours), about sixty miles. miles in thirty- 

D 2 


1803. 


Amrut 


20 


1803. 



two hours, and 
saves the city of 
Poonah from 
being burnt by 
Ararut Rao. 


Amrut Rao heard of the inarch of the British troops early on the 
morning of the 20th, and retired with precipitation, leaving the city in 
safety. Major-general Wellesley and the British troops were welcomed 
as the deliverers of the city by the few inhabitants who remained; and 
those who deserted their habitations, and had fled to the adjoining hills 
during the usurpation of Holkar, afforded a proof of their confidence 
in the British government, by immediately returning to their houses 
and by resuming their different occupations. It is a circumstance 
equally honourable to the British character, and propitious to the British 
interests in that quarter of India, that the first effects of the British in¬ 
fluence in the Marhatta dominions should have been displayed in 
rescuing the capital of the empire from impending ruin, and its in¬ 
habitants from violence and rapine. 


Arrangements During the progress of these transactions, arrangements were made 

at Bombay for 

the return of at bombay tor the march of the peishwah towards Poonah. A de- 

the peishwah . A 

to Poonah. tachment*, consisting of his majesty’s 78th regiment (which the go¬ 
vernor general embarked from Fort William on the 7th of February, 
and which arrived at Bombay on the 5th of April 1803,) five com¬ 
panies of his majesty’s 84th regiment, a proportion of artillery, and 
1035 sepoys, was formed and placed under the command of colonel 
Murrray of his majesty’s 84th regiment, as an escort to his highness, 
who left Bassein, attended by the resident, lieutenant-colonel Close, on 
Apri! 27. the 27th of April 1803. 


* Detachment forming the peishwah's escort under the command of colonel Murray, of 
his majesty’s 84th regiment: 

Europeans, - - - _ 1170 

Natives, - 1035 

Artillery, 93 


Total 

With 177 gun lascars. 


2298 


On 


21 


On the 6th of May the peishwah passed major-general Wellesley’s 
camp nearPoonah; and on the 13th of the same month his highness, 
attended by his brother Chimnajee Appa, and by a numerous train of 
the principal chiefs of the Marhatta empire, proceeded towards the city 
of Poonah. Having entered his palace, his highness resumed his seat 
upon the musnud, and received presents from his principal servants. 

During the procession, the British resident, lieutenant-colonel Close, 
accompanied by his suite, paid his compliments to his highness, when 
a salute was fired by the British troops encamped in the vicinity of 
Poonah, under the command of major-general Wellesley: this salute 
was immediately answered from the fortress of Saoghur. 

While the procession passed the bridge leading into the city, a se¬ 
cond salute was fired from the British camp ; and as the peishwah ap¬ 
proached the palace, salutes were fired from the several posts of the 
Marhatta troops. At sun-set salutes were fired from all the hill forts 
in the vicinity of Poonah. 

While these transactions passed at Poonah, Dowlut Rao Scindiah had 
collected a large force at Ougein* with the professed view of opposing 
Jeswunt Rao Holkar, and, having commenced his march from that 
capital towards Poonah, crossed the Nerbudda river on the 4th of 
February 1803, and arrived in the vicinity of Boorhanpoor on the 
23d of that month. 

Colonel Collins, the British resident, dispatched by the governor 
general from Futty-Ghur, arrived at the camp of Dowlut Rao Scin- 

* Ougein is Scindiah’s capital, situated near the antient city of Mundu, the capital of 
the Chillingi kings of Malwa. Ougein is about forty miles north or north-west of Indore, 
Holkar’s capital. These two cities are situated in the province of Malwa, which is di¬ 
vided between the peishwah, Scindiah, and Holkar. 

4 diah 


1802. 



May 6. 
May 13 Re¬ 
storation OF 

THE PEISHWAH 
TO TIlE MUS- 
.NUD AT'POO- 
NA4I. 


Transactions at 
the court of 
Dowlut Rao 
Scindiah. 


February 23 


1803. 


22 


Tebruar^ 27 . diah on the 27th of February 1803. The advices which the governor 
general had received from colonel Collins, and from other quarters, 
induced his lordship to entertain suspicions that Scindiah, notwith¬ 
standing his specious professions, being now delivered by the inter¬ 
position of the British power from the immediate fear of the supe¬ 
riority of Holkar, meditated an accommodation with Holkar, and a 
confederacy with that chieftain and with the rajah of Berar, for the 
purpose of subverting the treaty concluded by the British government 
with the peishwah at Bassein. This suspicion was corroborated by 
the artifices practised at the camp of Scindiah upon the arrival of 
colonel Collins, with a view of eluding the communication of the pro¬ 
positions with which colonel Collins was charged under the authority 
of the governor general. The intricacy, perverse policy, an a reachery 
of such an intrigue, however contrary to every principle of true isdbm 
and justice, are habitual to the low cunning and captious jealousy of 
March 24. the Marhattas. Colonel Collins therefore, on the 24th of March 1803, 
demanded and obtained, an audience of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, for the 
purpose of requiring an explanation of the suspected intrigue; when 
that chieftain, in the presence of all his principal ministers, positively 
assured colonel Collins, that he had no intention whatever' to obstruct the 
completion of the arrangements concluded between the peishwah and the 
British government, and that it was his wish to improve the friendship 
then subsisting between the peishwah, the British government, and his 
own state. 

Notwithstanding this amicable declaration, the governor general had 
great cause to doubt the sincerity of Scindiah’s professions, while the 
increasing rumours of the supposed confederacy between that chieftain, 
Jeswunt Rao Holkar, and the rajah of Berar, rendered it absolutely 
necessary for the British government to bring the question of the sup¬ 
posed, confederacy to. a determination; and, in the event of the actual 

2 • formation 


23 


formation of such a confederacy, to prepare the British government 1803 . 
and its allies for a contest with the confederated chieftains. y '"" ; 

Colonel Collins therefore, in a conference on the 28th of May, com- May 28 . 
municated to Scindiah the representations which he had been directed 
to* ke in conformity to instructions from the governor general under 
date the 5th of May; by which colonel Collins was desired to require the 
immediate return to Hindostan of Scindiah with his army, because 
Dowlut Rao Scindiah possessed no right to impede the accomplishment 
of the treaty of Bassein, unless his own security was endangered by 
that arrangement; because the advance of his army must necessarily 
have prevented the due execution of that treaty ; and because (Scindiah 
having on the 24th of March, formally disavowed an intention of ob¬ 
structing the engagements concluded between the peishwah and the 
British government,) his march to Poonah, or his continuance south of 
the Nerbudda river*, were incompatible with that declaration, and 
could not be reconciled to any other policy than a determined inten¬ 
tion to disturb those engagements, and to re-establish his former 
usurped ascendancy in the government of Poonah. 

Colonel Collins at the same time delivered to Scindiah a copy of the 
treaty of Bassein. Scindiah, after having Considered the articles of the 
treaty, declared that “ it contained no stipulations injurious to his just 
rights. In conformity to the governor general’s instructions, colonel 
Collins required Scindiah to state the nature of his late negotiations 
with the rajah of Berar and with Jeswunt Rao Holkar, intimating also 
to Scindiah the resolution of the governor general to resist any attempt 
on the part of any state or power to obstruct the complete execution of 
the treaty of Bassein. 

* The Nerbudda river forms the southern boundary of Hindostan Proper, 

The 


24 


The resident (colonel Collins) also apprised Dowlut Rao Scindiah, 
that, in the event of his refusing to afford the just and reasonable ex¬ 
planations and assurances which the resident demanded, and of his 
continuing to prosecute military operations in opposition to the resi¬ 
dent’s remonstrances, the British government would be compelled to 
adopt measures of precaution on every boundary of that chieftain’s do¬ 
minions. The resident added, agreeably to the governor general’s in¬ 
structions, that certain intelligence of the accession of Dowlut Rao 
Scindiah to any confederacy against the British power would produce 
immediate hostility on all parts of his frontier. 

In reply, Scindiah repeatedly declared, in public durbar, that he 
could not afford the satisfaction demanded, until a meeting should 
have taken place between him and the rajah of Berar,—when the British 
resident should be informed “ whether it would he peace or war” 

It is impossible not to contrast this unprovoked menace of hostility 
with the temperate declaration of the governor general, intimating a 
conditional intention to adopt measures of precaution on every boun¬ 
dary of Scindiah’s dominions, in the event only of that chieftain con¬ 
tinuing to prosecute military operations, in opposition to the remon¬ 
strances of the resident, and refusing to afford the reasonable explana¬ 
tions which the resident had demanded. In the sequel of the governor 
general’s declaration, which adverted to the extreme case of ultimate 
hostility, that eventual case is stated to have been contemplated by the 
.governor general in the single event of Scindiah having actually ac¬ 
ceded to a confederacy against the British power, which act on the part 
of Scindiah would alone have constituted a positive aggression. 1 he 
insult offered to the British government by a reference of the question 
of peace or war to the result of a conference with the rajah of Berar, 
who, at the head of a considerable army, had reached the vicinity of 

Dowlut 



25 

Dowlut Rao Scindiali’s camp at Eidalabad, together with the indication isos, 
which Scindiah’s abrupt declaration, and the approaching junction 
of his army with that of the rajah of Berar afforded, of a disposition 
on the part of those chieftains to prosecute the supposed objects of 
their confederacy, rendered it the duty of the British government to 
adopt without delay the most effectual measures for the vindication of 
its dignity, and for the security of its rights and interests, and those of 
its allies, against any attempt on the part of the confederates to injure 
or invade them. The governor general accordingly (on the 28th of 
June) issued private instructions to general Lake at Cawnpoor to make 
the necessary arrangements for assembling the army on the north-west 
frontier of the company’s dominions, in order to counteract the designs » 
of Dowlut Rao Scindiah and the rajah of Berar, and to derive every 
possible benefit to the British interests in the event of war. 

On the 3d of June the rajah of Berar arrived within one march of June the 3d. 

Scindiah’s camp* at Checkly, on the frontier of the nizam’s terri- forces of iw 

. iut Rao s ai^- 
tories, diah and the 
rajah of Berar. 

It appears from the report of Mr. Stuart, a British officer who was then in Scindiah’s 
service, and afterwards quitted it on the commencement of hostilities, that Scindiah’s force 
in the vicinity of the nizam’s frontier at this period of time (June 1 , 1803) amounted to 
twenty-eight.battalions of regular infantry (about seventeen or eighteen thousand men), 
and a well-appointed train of artillery, amounting to one hundred and seventy guns. The 
regular infantry consisted of monsieur Pohlman’s brigade, eight battalions; monsieur 
Dudernaigue’s brigade, seven battalions; the brigade under major Brownrigg, five batta¬ 
lions ; monsieur Dupont’s brigade, four battalions; and four battalions belonging to Begum 
Sumroo. Ambajee Inglia’s brigade, consisting, it is stated, of sixteen battalions, had a few 
days before been detached to Ilindostan. 

Scindiah’s cavalry amounted to about eighteen thousand men, and was encamped a short 
distance from his infantry at Mulkapore, at which place Mr. Stuart believes the army of 
the rajah of Berar, amounting to six thousand infantry, twenty thousand cavalry, and forty 
guns, to have been at that time stationed. 

The united armies of the confederate chieftains amounted therefore to twenty-three or 
twenty-four thousand infantry, thirty-eight thousand cavalry, and about two hundred and 

E ten 


26 


1803. 

WyW 


tories, and was met by Scindiah on the following morning. From this 
time the conduct of those chieftains afforded the strongest indication 
of a resolution on their part to evade the just and reasonable demands 
of the British government, that they should withdraw their armies from 
the menacing position which those armies had occupied on the frontier 
of our ally the nizam. Although Scindiah had distinctly admitted, that 
the treaty of Bassein contained no stipulations injurious to his just 
rights, both chieftains continued their negotiations with Jeswunt Rao 
Holkar, in order to induce him to join the confederacy against the 
British government and its allies. At the same time both chieftains 
employed every endeavour to detach the court of his highness the 
peishwah, and that of his highness the nizam, from their alliance with 
the honourable company, by intimidation, menaces, and promises of 
booty and aggrandisement in war against the company. 

The belief that those chieftains entertained designs hostile to the 
British government at the earliest stages of the negotiation between the 
resident and Dowlut Rao Scindiah, is supported by the information 
which the governor general has from time to time received of the pro¬ 
ceedings of that chieftain. 

ten guns, and were encamped within twenty-five or thirty miles of the nizam’s frontier, 
and of two principal passes (the Adjuntee and Badowly ghauts), leading into that prince’s 
territories. 

This commanding position not only afforded the confederate chieftains the means of me¬ 
nacing the tranquillity and security of the nizam’s dominions, but would have enabled them 
(if they had not been checked by the British power) to have commenced a successful attack 
on the nizam’s territory as soon as the season should admit the commencement of military 
operations * to have penetrated to Hyderabad for the purpose of interrupting the regular 
order of succession to the musnud of the Dekan; and eventually to have invaded the com¬ 
pany’s provinces, and to have made those provinces the theatre of their violence and ag¬ 
gression. 


4 


In 


27 


In a letter from colonel Collins, of the 9th of March 1803, the resident 
apprised the governor general, that Ambajee Inglia, one of Dowlut Rao 
Scindiah’s principal ministers, had informed one of the resident’s native 
agents, that orders had been issued to general Perron, directing him to 
place the army under his command in a state of preparation for the field, 
with a view to an eventual rupture with the British government. 

At that time Ambajee Inglia was supposed to possess the greatest in¬ 
fluence over the mind of Scindiah, whose proceedings were said to be 
principally regulated by the counsels of that chieftain. It appeared 
highly improbable, therefore, that Ambajee would have communicated 
these orders to the resident’s agents, if they had really been issued. 
This circumstance induced the governor general to discredit the dis¬ 
patch of those orders, and to believe that the object of the communi¬ 
cation was merely to discover the views and intuitions of the British 
government with respect to Dowlut Rao Scindiah. 

The concurrent testimony of facts, and the state of monsieur Perron’s 
military force, however, which have subsequently been ascertained, con¬ 
firm the information which the resident communicated in the month 
of March, respecting the dispatch of the orders to general Perron, to 
the effect above described, even at that early stage of our negotiations 
with Dowlut Rao Scindiah. The conduct of Ambajee has also been 
explained by subsequent events ; it has appeared by undoubted evi¬ 
dence that Ambajee actually provoked Scindiah to war against the 
company, and obtained the command in Hindostan with the secret 
purpose of emancipating himself from Scindiah’s power. In pur¬ 
suance of this treacherous project, after having given the information 
stated to colonel Collins, Ambajee actually obtained the command of 
Scindiah’s forces in Hindostan, and immediately upon his arrival at 
Gualior sent proposals of submission to general Lake. In the true 
spirit of Marhatta faith, however, a part of Ambajee’s troops engaged 
general Lake’s army in the memorable battle of Laswaree. 

e 2 


On 


28 


On the 17th of June 1803 the governor general received information 
that Dowlut Rao Scindiah had addressed letters to Ghunnee Bahadur 
and Himmut Bahadur, the officers exercising the chief authority on 
the part of his highness the peishwah in the province of Bundelcund, 
requiring them to be prepared to co-operate with the confederated 
Marhatta armies in hostile measures against the British posssesions; 
and that Dhurrum Rao, the commanding officer of a considerable 
body of horse, which had been dispatched by Scindiah in the month 
of April to Calpee (a station on the right bank of the Jumna, con¬ 
tiguous to the British territories), had received orders from Scindiah to 
the same effect. 

On receipt of this information, the governor general deemed it 
proper to direct the resident to require Dowlut Rao Scindiah to ac¬ 
knowledge or to disafbw those orders ; and accordingly, at a conference 
between the resident and Dowlut Rao Scindiah, holden on the 16th of 
July, the resident stated the substance of that information to Dowlut 
Rao Scindiah, and required him to declare whether he had actually 
issued orders of the nature described. 

In reply, Dowlut Rao Scindiah assured the resident in the most so¬ 
lemn manner, that he had never issued such orders to the peishwah’s 
officers in Bundelcund, or to Dhurrum Rao, and that the latter chief¬ 
tain had been especially directed to respect the British territories. 

Notwithstanding the solemn disavowal by Scindiah of these orders, 
the many instances of insincerity manifested by that chieftain, the ge¬ 
neral tenor of his conduct, and the authenticity of the source of in¬ 
formation upon this subject, together with circumstances which have 
subsequently been ascertained, confirm the intelligence originally re¬ 
ceived relative to these acts of aggression on the part of Scindiah. The 
facts were communicated to the collector of Allahabad by the express 
direction of Himmut Behadur (one of the peishwah’s officers in Bun- 
2 delcund) 


29 


delcund) to whom the letters of Scindiah were addressed, and who 
previously transmitted proposals to the governor general for the trans¬ 
fer of that province to the authority of the British government. 

In a letter from colonel Collins, dated the 14th of June, and received 
on the 6th of July, that officer transmitted a paper of intelligence from 
his agent at Delhi, stating, that messengers from Dowlut Rao Scin¬ 
diah had lately come to the Rohilla chieftain Gholaum Mahomed Khan, 
who resides at Nadown, and that letters had been received by that 
chieftain from general Perron, inviting him to proceed with his fol¬ 
lowers towards the station of general Perron’s army, by the way of 
Saharunpoor, for the purpose of exciting commotions in the jagheer of 
Rampoor; and assuring him of ample support both from Scindiah and 
general Perron; and that general Perron had clandestinely addressed 
letters to the principal persons residing in the jagheer of Rampoor 
and other places, urging them to employ their exertions in disturbing 
the tranquillity of the company’s possessions. This intelligence was 
corroborated by information repeatedly received and communicated to 
the governor general by the resident at Lucknow, and the agent to the 
governor general in the ceded provinces of Oude, of the preparations 
of Gholaum Mahomed Khan for the avowed purpose of complying 
with the suggestions which he had received from Scindiah and general 
Perron, to excite disturbances in the district of Rampoor, and to dis¬ 
turb the tranquillity of the vizier’s and the company’s dominions; and 
on the 26th of July copies of letters from Dowlut Rao Scindiah to 
Gholaum Mahomed Khan and Bumboo Khan (the grandson of the late 
Nujib-oo-Dowlah, who occupies a territory in the vicinity of Saharun¬ 
poor), declaring the intention of Scindiah to commence a war of ag¬ 
gression against the British power, and instigating those chieftains to 
co-operate with the forces of general Perron against the British posses¬ 
sions, were received by the governor general from Mr. Leycester, the 
collector atMoradabad, to whom they had been transmitted by Bumboo 
Khan, 


It 


30 


It appears from a passage in these documents, that the letters of Scin- 
diah to Gholaum Mahomed Khan and Bumboo Khan were written 
subsequently to the march of Dowlut Rao Scindiah from Boorhanpoor 
on the 4th of May. But the dispatch of messengers to Gholaum 
Mahomed Khan, and the transmission of the instructions to general 
Perron, under which that officer addressed letters to the principal per¬ 
sons in Rampoor and other places, as noticed in the preceding para¬ 
graphs, must be referred to an earlier period of time. The comp] te 
state of preparation in which the army of general Perron was actually 
placed, is a corroborative evidence of the actual transmission of orders 
to that officer, to the effect described in colonel Collins’s letter of the 
9th of March. 

These facts reciprocally confirm each point of the evidence of Scin- 
diah’s hostile projects, and, combined with information at various times 
communicated by the resident with Dowlut Rao Scindiah of the pro¬ 
ceedings of that chieftain, with the repeated intelligence received of the 
actual formation of an hostile confederacy between Dowlut Rao Scin¬ 
diah, and the rajah of Berar, and Jeswunt Rao Holkar, and with the 
tenor and result of the resident’s negotiations, amount to full proof of 
the alleged design, on the part of Scindiah and the rajah of Berar, of 
subverting the alliance formed between the British government and his 
highness the peishwah. 

During the actual crisis of affairs, it appeared to the governor gene¬ 
ral necessary to unite the control of all political affairs n the Dekan, 
connected with the negotiation then depending between the British go¬ 
vernment and the confederated chieftains, and with the movement of 
the army, under a distinct local authority, subject to the governor ge¬ 
neral in council, but possessing full powers to conclude upon the spot 
whatever arrangements might become necessary, either for the final set¬ 
tlement of peace or for the active prosecution of war. The governor 

general 


31 


general was of opinion, that those important powers could not be placed 
with advantage in any other hands than those of the general officer 
commanding the troops destined to restore the tranquillity of the 
Dekan; and accordingly determined on the 26th of June to vest them 
in major-general Wellesley, whose established influence among the 
Marhatta chiefs, and intimate knowledge of the governor general’s sen¬ 
timents concerning the British interests in the Marhatta empire, were 
particularly calculated to enable that officer to execute the arduous trust 
reposed in him, with the greatest benefit to the public interests. The 
same powers were also vested in lieutenant-general Stuart, in the event 
of his assuming the immediate command of the forces in the Dekan. 

On the 18th of July major-general Wellesley, having received these 
powers from the governor general, addressed a letter to the resident, 
directing him to state to Dowlut Rao Scindiah, and the rajah of Berar, 
the anxiety with which the British government desired the preservation 
of peace; and to observe, that the only proof which could be accepted, 
of the sincerity of the amicable professions of Scindiah and the rajah 
of Berar, was the immediate separation and return of their armies from 
the frontier of the nizam’s territories to their respective capitals; in 
which case, general Wellesley offered to withdraw the troops under his 
command to their usual stations. Should however Scindiah and the 
rajah of Berar be resolved to maintain their positions on the nizam’s 
frontier, the resident was directed to apprise those chieftains, that he 
had received major-general Wellesley’s orders to quit the camp of 
Scindiah without delay. 

After further evasive attempts, the two chieftains returned answers 
on the 31st of July to general Wellesley’s requisition, and proposed to 
retire from the position which they occupied, at die same time that ge¬ 
neral Wellesley should commence his march to the usual stations of the 
British army. This proposition however was accompanied by a con¬ 
dition 


1803. 



July 18th. 


July 31st. 


32 


isos. dition which furnished a curious example of the deceitful but weak 
policy of these Marhatta chiefs: they added to a proposition specious in 
its first appearance, the inadmissible and absurd condition, that on the 
same day on which the British troops under general Wellesley should 
reach the stations of Bombay , Madras, and Seringapatam *, the Mar¬ 
hatta confederates would encamp the united armies o • Scindiah and 
the rajah of Berar at Boorhanpoor, a city belonging to Scindiah, 
and situated about fifty miles from the nizam’s frontier. 

The manner in which this proposition was conveyed to general Wel- 
juiysist. lesley deserves particular notice. At the last conference on the 31st of 
July between the British resident, Dowlut Rao Scindiah and the rajah 
of Berar, three successive propositions were offered by those chieftains 
to colonel Collins’s acceptance. The first proposition was, that the 
united forces of Scindiah and the rajah of Berar should retire to Boor¬ 
hanpoor, and that major-general Wellesley should withdraw the British 
troops to th$ir usual stations; or, in other words, that the British army 
should abandon the means which it possessed in its actual position, and 
in its embodied state, of opposing a seasonable resistance to any hostile 
attempts on the part of the confederated chieftains, while those chief¬ 
tains should retire with their united armies to a short distance from the 
frontier of our ally, prepared to take advantage of the approaching 
favourable season, and of the absence and dispersion of the British 
forces. 

This unreasonable proposition having been decidedly and instantly 
rejected by the resident, the confederated chieftains offered their second 

* Distances from Amednuggur (the position of major-general Wellesley’s army on the 
31st July 1803,) 

To Madras, - - 1049 miles. 

Seringapatam, - 541- 

Bombay, - - 321- 

From the position which the confederates occupied, Boorhanpoor is distant about fifty miles. 

proposition, 


33 


proposition, that the resident should appoint a day for the march of the 
respective forces of those chieftains from the place of their encamp¬ 
ment, and that the resident should pledge the faith of the British go¬ 
vernment for the retreat of the army under major-general Wellesley, on 
the day on which the armies of the confederates should commence their 
march to their usual stations. 

It is manifest that this proposition afforded no other security for the 
actual return of the armies of those chieftains to their usual stations, 
than a precarious dependence on those promises which they had so re¬ 
peatedly violated: independently of which consideration, colonel Collins 
was not authorised to pledge the faith of the British government to an 
arrangement inconsistent with the instructions which he had received 
from major-general Wellesley; and it soon became evident that this pro¬ 
position was merely illusory on the part of the chieftains. 

Scindiah and the raj^h of Berar finally proposed their third proposi¬ 
tion, that they should by a letter state to major-general Wellesley, “ that 
“ on the day on which general Wellesley should withdraw his troops 
u from the station then occupied by the British army, those chieftains 
“ would separate their armies , and commence their return to their respective 
“ territories in Berar and the north of Hindostan” This proposed mo¬ 
dification of general Wellesley’s requisition evidently diminished the 
security which might have been derived from the previous and imme¬ 
diate separation and departure of the confederated armies. Scindiah 
and the rajah of Berar, however, having declared that unless major- 
general Wellesley should consent to the third proposition, they could 
not retire consistently with a due regard to the honour of their respec¬ 
tive governments, colonel Collins consented to refer that proposition to 
major-general Wellesley, and to remain in Scindiah’s camp until an 
answer should be received, provided the letters to major-general Wel- 

F lesley 


34 


i« 03 . lesley were sent to the resident for transmission before the noon of the 
following day. 

It now appeared that both the second and third propositions had 
been absolute evasions for the purpose of gaining time: in direct 
violation of the terms of both the second and the third propositions, 
August 1 . Scindiah and the rajah of Berar on the 1st of August 1803 transmitted 
letters to the resident, addressed to major-general Wellesley, proposing 
not to separate their armies, and to commence their return to Berar and 
to the northern provinces of Hindostan, on the day on which major- 
general Wellesley should withdraw the British army, but to continue 
their armies united ; ana instead of commencing their “march to their respec- 
“ five territories in Berar , and the north of Hindostan ,” to limit their re¬ 
treat to the neighbouring station of Boorhanpoor, precisely according to 
the terms of the first proposition, which had been fully discussed, and 
positively and instantly rejected by colonel Collins. 


August 3. 
Departure of 
colonel Collins 
from the camp 
of the con¬ 
federates. 


On receipt of the rajah of Berar’s letters containing this inadmissible 
and insidious proposition, the resident made immediate arrangements 
for quitting the camp of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, and commenced his 
march towards Aurungabad on the 3d of August. 


Review of the It may be useful in this place to review, in a distinct and connected 
actions. form, the leading facts of the late transactions, which have terminated 
in a dissolution of the relations of amity between the British govern¬ 
ment and the confederated chieftains, Dowlut Rao Scindiah and the 
rajah of Berar. 


His highness the peishwah was compelled towards the close of the 
year 1802, by the violence and usurpation of a subject* of his go- 


* Jeswunt Rao Holkar. 


vernment. 


35 


vernment, to abandon his capital city of Poonah; in pursuance of the 
principles of the alliance formed with the peishwah in 1790, and re¬ 
vived in 1792 and 1793, and with a view to the establishment of 
the general system of defensive alliance, commenced with the nizam 
by the treaties of 1798 and 1800, his highness the peishwah solicited and 
obtained the aid of the British power for the restoration of his au¬ 
thority, and concluded engagements with the British government, cal¬ 
culated to secure his highness’s rights and independence against the 
designs of any foreign or domestic enemy. Those engagements not 
only contained no stipulation injurious to the just rights of the feuda¬ 
tory chieftains of the Marhatta empire, but provided additional security 
for the unmolested exercise of those rights. Reference to the treaty of 
Bassein will prove this statement. 

Dowlut Rao Scindiah distinctly expressed his concurrence in the 
propriety of the measures adopted by the British government for the 
restoration of the peishwah’s authority: he was assured by the resident 
in the name of the British government, that the treaty of Bassein was 
merely of a defensive nature; and after having received a copy of the 
treaty of Bassein, he admitted that the treaty of Bassein was not in¬ 
jurious to his own rights, or to those of the feudatory chieftains: he also, 
after some discussion, admitted that the peishwah possessed the right to 
conclude the treaty of Bassein without the concurrence of the Mar¬ 
hatta feudatories, stating merely that, as guarantee* to the treaty of 

Salbye, 

* On this subject it may be observed, that to have rendered the peishwah responsible to 
Scindiah for the acts of his administration as the acknowledged executive head of the 
Marhatta state, would have reversed the relation which subsists between them. The duty 
of a guarantee to a treaty cannot be considered to extend to the obligation ol precluding any 
change in the terms of such treaty, or even its entire abrogation, provided the contracting 
parties have agreed by mutual consent to vary or annul it. In his capacity of guarantee 
to the treaty of Salbye, Scindiah is merely authorized to bring to a right understanding 
cither of the parties to that treaty which shall deviate from its stipulations. In that ca- 

f 2 pacity. 


1803. 



the 24th of 
March. 


S6 

Salbye, he ought to have been consulted by the peishwah, Dowlut 
RaoScindiah, however, persisted in soliciting the junction of the rajah of 
Berar, with the whole body of his forces, for the purpose of deciding the 
question of war or peace; or, in other words, of eventually employing 
their united power and resources to invade the territories of the allies 
and of the company, and to subvert the arrangements concluded between 
the British government and the peishwah at Bassein. 

In conformity to Dowlut Rao Scindiah’s solicitations, the rajah of 
Berar commenced his march for the purpose of effecting'the proposed 
junction of their numerous armies in a menacing position on the 
frontier* of the nizam, the ally of the British government. 

These measures were not adopted by those chieftains with a view, nor 
even under a pretence, of defending their own rights and interests 
against any apprehended design on the part of the British government, 
or of any other state, to injure or to invade those rights or interests, 
nor with the view of securing the protection or internal settlement of 
their own possessions in the vicinity of the nizam's dominions. No 
such apprehensions were ever stated by either chieftain. These mea¬ 
sures were therefore avowedly concerted for the express purpose of 
enabling those chieftains to carry into effect their eventual resolution 
of undertaking a war of aggression against the British government and 
its allies, for the purpose of usurping the authority of the peishwah, 

pacity, therefore, Scindiah does not possess any authority to prevent the contracting par¬ 
ties from concluding any additional engagements, or even from abrogating the treaty of 
Salbye by mutual consent: at all events, his interests and station as a member of the Mar- 
hatta state were sufficiently considered by the offer of admitting him to be a party in the 
defensive treaty concluded with the peishwah, or of contracting separate engagements 
between him and the British government on the basis of that treaty. 

*Near the Adjuntee ghaut, a pass about sixty miles north of Aurungabad, on the ni- 
scam’s north-western frontier, and leading into his territories. 


and 


37 


and of destroying a treaty, the tendency of which the confederate 
chieftains had not arraigned, and which the peishwah was acknow¬ 
ledged to be competent to conclude, even by the direct admission of 
Dowlut Rao Scindiah. 

Under these and other indications of hostility on the part of those 
chieftains, the British government merely required that they should 
retire with their armies to their usual stations, in Berar and the north 
of Hindostan, proposing that the British army in the Dekan should 
also retire in a similar manner. 

At the moment when Dowlut Rao Scindiah, after being apprised of 
all the stipulations of the treaty of Bassein, acknowledged that it con¬ 
tained no provisions injurious to the rights of the feudatory chieftains, 
that chieftain publicly declared to the resident, that the question of peace 
or war with the British government depended upon the result of a 
conference between Scindiah and the rajah of Berar, whose arrival at 
the head of the whole body of his forces in the vicinity of Scindiah’s 
camp was daily expected. » 

The hostile and insulting nature of this declaration deserves par¬ 
ticular attention. Occupying a position with the main body of his 
forces near the frontier of our ally, Scindiah publicly declared, in open 
durbar, to the representative of the British government, that he awaited 
the arrival of the rajah of Berar, at the head of a numerous army, on 
the frontier of the dominions of our ally, for the purpose of deciding 
whether the united arms of those confederate chieftains should be 
employed in a war of aggression against the British government and 
its allies. 

After the declaration made by Dowlut Rao Scindiah, that “ the British 
u government should know whether it would be peace or war as soon as the 

“ rajah 


1803. . 



In a conferet cd 
on the 28th of 
May 1803. 


38 


1803. 



On the Sd of 
June. 

On the 4th of 
June, and at 
various times 
afterwards. 


u rajah of Berar should have joined Scindlah s artny^ every pi inclple of 
the law of nations would have justified the British government in 
adopting any measures which might have been deemed necessary to 
prevent the intended junction between the armies of Dowlut Rao 
Scindiah and of the rajah of Berar. It would have been justifiable to 
have employed force for the purpose of preventing the junction of the 
confederate armies, and of diverting the operations of their troops. 
Those objects coastituted a sufficient cause of war, previously to the 
meeting of the chiefs, and would have warranted the immediate attack 
of the territories and resources of the confederates, in order to prevent 
the accomplishment of the avowed purpose of their meeting. 

The armies of those chieftains however were permitted to effect the 
proposed junction, and the chieftains met for the purpose of deciding 
whether It should be peace or war with the company. After the junction 
of their armies, those chieftains continued, by systematic delays and 
evasions, to withhold any declaration with regard to the nature of their 
designs during a period of two months; and although, at the expiiation 
of that period of time, the confederated chieftains disavowed all inten¬ 
tion of obstructing the complete execution of the treaty of Bassein, they 
refused to abandon the arrangements avowedly adopted, and the po¬ 
sition occupied for the eventual prosecution of hostilities against the 
British government. 

The proceedings of the confederated chieftains were therefore ma¬ 
nifestly of a menacing and aggressive nature, and the position of their 
united armies on the frontier of our ally enabled them to carry into 
immediate execution the hostile designs which their conduct and their 
language had previously indicated. The temporary change of their 
language, unaccompanied by any change of conduct, afforded no se¬ 
curity against the hostilities which they had menaced; and while they 

continued 


39 

continued to occupy an hostile and menacing position with their united 
armies, the contradiction between their professions and their actions af¬ 
forded just ground of suspicion, especially at that season when it would 
have been much more difficult for their forces than for the British to 
have commenced active operations. On the other hand, the movement 
of the British troops towards Ahmednuggur, as far as it respected the 
rajah of Berar and Dowlut Rao Scindiah, was purely defensive. The 
internal condition of his highness the peishwah’s government would 
alone have justified and required the march of the British subsidiary 
force from Poonah to that position. 

Under these circumstances those chieftains were not entitled to any 
corresponding concessions on our part, and their refusal to comply un¬ 
conditionally with the requisition of the British government would 
have justified an immediate resort to arms. The offer of major-ge¬ 
neral Wellesley, therefore, on the 18th of Julv, to withdraw the troops 
under his command from the vicinity of Ahmednuggur, and the 
amicable assurances with which it was accompanied, afforded the most 
unequivocal proof of the pacific intentions of the British government, 
and deprived the confederated chieftains of every pretext for continuing 
to maintain their armies in their united and menacing position on the 
frontier of our ally. 

The mere junction of the armies of Scindiah and the rajah of Berar 
upon the frontier of the dominions of our ally, for any purpose un¬ 
connected with the security of the rights of those chieftains, would 
have compelled the British government to demand the removal of those 
armies from that menacing position, and would have required the adop¬ 
tion of measures of precaution on our part; and the refusal of those 
chieftains to comply with that demand would have justified an appeal 
to arms for the security of our interests .and those of our allies. But 
Scindiah had publicly declared, that the object of the junction of the 

confederate 


40 


1 S 0 3. confederate armies was to decide the question of peace or war with the 
company. Under the circumstances of the moment, therefore, no other 
security for the pacific conduct of those chieftains could have been ac¬ 
cepted," than such as should deprive them of the power of prosecuting 
with success the designs which they manifestly entertained, and had de¬ 
clared, against the rights and interests of the British government and its 
/ allies. 

During the whole course of the negotiations between the resident and 
Dow lut Rao Scindiah, (from the 27th of February until the 3d of Au¬ 
gust 1803), that chieftain and the rajah of Berar employed their most 
assiduous endeavours to induce Jeswunt Rao Holkar to unite m the 
confederacy, and to form a junction with the confederate armies; and 
those chieftains even assigned the depending negotiation with Jeswunt 
Rao Holkar, as a cause for maintaining their united armies in the 
position from which they were required to retreat. 

The result established by these facts, which are amply detailed in the 
governor general’s dispatches to the secret committee of the 19th of 
April, 20th of June, 1st of August, and 25th of September 1803, is 

1st. That according to the evidence of facts, and to the distinct 
avowal of Scindiah and the rajah of Berar, those chieftains had no cause 
of complaint against the British government, nor any reason to appre¬ 
hend that their just rights and interests were exposed to hazard by the 
arrangements concluded between the British government and the 
peishwah. 

2dly. That the junction and continuance of the armies of those 
chieftains on the frontier of the nizam near Adjuntee, were evidently 
unnecessary for any purpose connected with the security of their rights, 
or with the protection or internal arrangement of any part of their 

territorial 

' - \ - 


41 


territorial possessions; and that if either Scindiah or the rajah of 
Berar had really entertained apprehensions of Holkar’s movements, 
they could not have continued in their actual position with common 
prudence, but must for their own safety have retired in the direction 
required by major-general Wellesley, since Holkar at that time occu¬ 
pied a position in the vicinity of Scindiah’s dominions in Malwa. 

3dly. That the general conduct and language of those chieftains in¬ 
dicated designs of a hostile nature against the British government and 
its allies the peishwah and the nizam, and that Scindiah had distinctly 
declared on the 28th of May, that he and the rajah of Berar meditated 
eventual war. 

4thly. That those chieftains assembled their armies in a menacing 
position on the frontier of our ally the nizam, for the purpose of 
enabling them eventually to carry those designs into execution* 

5thly. That the public and insulting menace of war against the 
British government, uttered by Dowlut Rao Scindiah on the 28th of 
May 1803, was an open avowal of a hostile spirit, and an act of direct 
hostility, and therefore a sufficient cause of war, unless that menace had 
been effectually retracted by such a movement of that chieftain’s army 
as should have secured the British interests against the accomplishment 
of so insolent and wanton a threat; that the confederate army conti¬ 
nued to retain the means of commencing with advantage the war which 
Scindiah had denounced ; that the same hostile spirit was manifested by 
various preparations and arrangements dangerous to the British govern¬ 
ment and its allies, and that these acts of aggression were menaced and 
committed, not only without any cause of complaint deducible from the 
measures and proceedings of the British government or of its allies, 
but under a distinct acknowledgement of the pacific nature of our. ar- 

g rangements 


1803. 



42 


rangements with the peishwah, and under an avowed conviction of our 
amicable intentions. 

6thly. That the hostile nature of the proceedings of those chief¬ 
tains,. and their repeated violation of public faith, precluded all reliance 
on their promises and professions, and rendered it the duty of the 
British government to require the separation and return of their armies 
to their respective territories, as the only security for the rights and in¬ 
terests of the British government and its allies against the declared de¬ 
signs of those confederated chieftains. 

7thly. That this requisition was accompanied by a proposal to with¬ 
draw the British army from its advanced position at Ahmednuggur in the 
Dekan; and that such a proposal was not only an incontrovertible proof 
of the just and pacific views of the British government, but furnished 
ample security to the confederated chieftains against the possibility of 
any danger which could be apprehended by them from a compliance 
with our requisition to separate and withdraw their armies. 

It was evident therefore that, after the denial of this just requisition, 
the defence and security of our rights and those of our allies could 
only be maintained by resorting to arms against Scindiah and die 
rajah of Berar. 

The season pressed for decision. The actual prevalence of the rainy 
monsoon in the provinces of India, which must become the theatre of 
war, was highly favourable to our operations, and equally unpropitious 
to any hostile movement of the native powers. 

To have permitted the confederate chieftains to remain unmolested 
until the close of the rains, would have sacrificed a principal advantage 
which we then posessed, and would have enabled and encouraged them 

to 


43 


to prosecute with facility and rapidity their operations* against the ter¬ 
ritories of the nizam, of the peishwah, of the rajah of Mysore, and 
eventually of the company, at the commencement of the favourable 
season. 

This policy would have united all the disadvantages of irresolution 
with the inconvenience of heavy expense, and of the continuance of 
our army at a remote distance from our own possessions: neither 
prudence nor honour would have permitted us to retreat under the 
menacing language and commanding position of the confederate chief¬ 
tains. We must therefore have maintained an advanced position in 
the Dekan; nor could we have abandoned the nizam, the peishwah, the 
guikwar, the rajah of Mysore, and our own subjects upon our frontier, 
to the security of vague professions from a Marhatta durbar. The 
threats and power of the confederates, the position and force of their 
army, combined with the general tenor of their cpnduct and policy, ab¬ 
solutely required that our army should remain in the vicinity of the 
confederate forces, for the preservation of our interests, of our safety, 
of our public faith, and of our reputation. 

* The dessarah, which may be considered a military festival among the Marhattas, takes 
place at the close of the south-west monsoon, about the end of the month of September: 
the favourable season for the movement of troops then opens. Thejhanda or great standard 
of the prince is hoisted, a camp is formed, and the operations of the ensuing year are de¬ 
termined, whether they may be directed against an open enemy, or to the object of col¬ 
lecting the permanent tribute or choute, or to move on a muluk-gheree, or plundering 
expedition. In Poonah this festival is celebrated with particular splendour. The peishwah, 
“ accompanied by the great members of the empire, marches out of the city, preceded by 
i( the state equipages, consisting of elephants superbly caparisoned, led horses, and, in 
“ short, all the pomp of oriental magnificence. Upon this occasion the Marhattas go 
l( through the ceremony of plundering a field; doubtless to remind them of their predatory 
iC origin. The peishwah leads the way, by tearing up a handful of corn; his example is fol- 
* ( lowed by all present, and the field is pillaged in a moment.” 

G 2 In 


1805. 

V —V**' 


44 


isos. In addition to other circumstances, the declining state of the nizam’s 
health, and the designs which the confederate chieftains were known to 
entertain with respect to the succession to the sovereign authority of 
the Dekan, rendered it indispensably necessary, that, while the Marhatta 
army remained on the nizam’s frontier, the British troops should 
occupy a position calculated to secure the regular order of succession on 
the nizam’s death, and to frustrate the attempts which the confederates 
might make to place on the musnud of the Dekan one of the younger 
sons of the nizam, devoted to the cause of the Marhatta chiefs, and ini¬ 
mical to the British interests. 

The same policy which dictated the conclusion of the treaties of Hy¬ 
derabad in 1798 and in 1800, required that the British government 
should be prepared to maintain the stability of its alliance with the 
prince of the Dekan, and to resist any attempt which might be directed 
to the subversion of the British influence at Hyderabad, or to the ex¬ 
clusion of the legitimate heir from the sovereign power of the Dekan. 

These considerations therefore rendered it indispensably necessary to 
maintain an advanced position in the Dekan, while the confederates 
should persist in the determination of menacing the frontier of our 
allies. If the British army had continued in an advanced position, 
leaving to the confederates the undisturbed possession of their re¬ 
sources and means of attack, the result must have been deeply in¬ 
jurious, if not fatal to our cause. 

After we had sustained the expense and inconvenience of remaining 
inactive in the field, waiting the pleasure of the Marhatta durbars for 
peace or war, the confederate chieftains would ultimately have pos¬ 
sessed the opportunity of employing their combined force against our 
dispirited army with every advantage of season, with increased alacrity 

and 


45 


and vigour, and with the probable addition of Holkar’s troops, of 
many of our present Marhatta allies, and even of French auxiliaries. 

The same considerations of justice and policy, therefore, which abso¬ 
lutely required us to maintain our army in an advanced position under 
the actual aggression and hostile conduct of the confederates, operated 
with additional force to demand such a seasonable application of our 
military strength, as should afford us the full benefit of our actual ad¬ 
vantages, frustrate the artifices, delays and treachery of the enemy, an¬ 
ticipate his insulting menace of war, check his pride, and chastise his 
insolence. 

If we had submitted to the insidious propositions of the Marhatta 
chiefs; if we had retreated in the face of their united forces, and had 
withdrawn our army in the Dekan* while they retained their com¬ 
manding position; if we had omitted the precautions which involved 
additional expense on the frontier of Oude and in other quarters; we 
should have submitted the honour, dignity and interests, if not the 
existence, of the British government in India to the most faithless^ 
sanguinary, rapacious, and violent of the Marhatta adventurers; we 
should have forfeited the opinion of the native powers, which forms a 
main pillar of the fabric of our empire; we should have descended to 
a public acknowledgment of the superiority of the Marhatta arms in 
the face of all Asia; and we should have been degraded by the native 
states of Hindostan and the Dekan to the rank of a secondary power in 
India; of a power secondary to Dowlut Rao Scindiah, whose military 
strength rests upon the support of French adventure, enterprise, and 
skill. 

* Dekan , or South , in its general signification, implies the whole of the peninsula of India 
to the southward of the Nerbudda river, or from the 22d degree of north latitude to Cape 
Comorin. In its limited sense it is intended to signify the countries now forming the pro¬ 
vinces of Candeish, Dowlutabad, Viziapoor, Golconda, and part of Berar. 


A policy 


46 


ISt>3. 


Flan of the 
campaign 
against the c 
federates. 


A policy so unworthy of British wisdom, honour, and courage, would 
have subjected the tranquillity and security of Hindostan and the 
Dekan, including all our alliances, dependencies and possessions, to the 
will of Scindiah, and of a band of French adventurers, armed with a 
powerful artillery, in the critical moment of a renewal of war with 
France. 

It appeared to the governor general to be a more safe as well as a 
more honourable policy, to employ the means which he had prepared, 
for the purpose of effectually averting the present and future projects 
of the confederates and their French officers, than to confide the security 
of any part of his arduous trust to the professions of the Marhatta 
chiefs, contradicted by the spirit of all their actions, and by the uniform 
tenor of their character, disposition, and views. 

Colonel Collins therefore left Scindiah’s camp on the 3d of August, 
and the British government proceeded to carry into execution the plan 
of operations which had been formed, for the eventual defeat of the 
unjust and unprovoked designs of the confederated chieftains Dowlut 
Rao Scindiah and the rajah of Befar. 

The compass of these notes will not admit a statement of the de¬ 
tailed instructions issued by the governor general to his excellency the 
commander in chief (general Lake), and to the honourable major-gene¬ 
ral Wellesley, to the governments of Fort St. George and Bombay, and 
to the public officers at Fort William, relative to the preparation and 
employment of the forces, and to several points connected with the for¬ 
mation of a system of political arrangement with the neighbouring 
states and chieftains; calculated to diminish the power and resources of 
the enemy, and to facilitate the success of the British arms in the event 
of our being compelled to proceed to hostilities. 


Every 


47 


Every measure was suggested and adopted, which the judgment of jg 0 3 . 
the governor general in council could devise, for the successful ac- 
complishment of those political arrangements; and the preparations for 
military operations were all made with a view to the commencement of 
hostilities in every quarter of the possessions of the enemy, before the 
close of the rainy season. Although this early movement was likely to 
prove difficult to the British armies, it was well known that these diffi¬ 
culties would be inconsiderable in comparison with the almost insur¬ 
mountable obstacles which embarrass the operations of the army of a 
native power during the period of the rains. The forces from the armies- 
of Fort St. George and of Bombay, under the command of major-ge¬ 
neral Wellesley, were already in a position to commence hostilities in 
the Dekan, as soon as intelligence should be received of the rupture of 
the negotiation with Scindiah and the rajah of Berar; and arrange¬ 
ments had been carried into effect for the early invasion (from Ganjam 
and from Calcutta, by the armies of Fort Saint George and Bengal) of 
the valuable province of Cuttack in Orissa, which disjoins the British 
territory, and interrupts the continuity of our dominions between 
Bengal and the northern sircars. The government of Bombay vras pre¬ 
pared to seize at the same time the sea-ports and territory belonging to 
Scindiah in Guzerat, on the extremity of the western quarter of India. 

By the indefatigable activity, zeal, ability, and energy of general Lake, 

(whose personal exertions have surpassed all former example, and have 
been the main source of the success of the war in that quarter,) the 
army of Bengal, on the north-west frontier of Oude, was placed, to¬ 
wards the close of the month of July, in a state of preparation and 
equipment favourable to the immediate attack of monsieur Perron’s 
force, as soon as authentic advices should be received of the com¬ 
mencement of hostilities in thg Dekan. 

The arrangements adopted by the governor general, during this 
arduous crisis of affairs, were directed to provide for a general and 

combined 


48 


combined attack to be made, nearly at the same time, on the united 
army of Scindiah and the rajah of Berar under their personal command 
in the Dekan, and on all their most vulnerable and valuable possessions 
in every quarter of India. The plan of operations comprehended a 
tract of country, extending from Delhi* and the presidencies of Fort 
William, Fort St. George, and Bombay, to Poonah, Hyderabad, Guzerat, 
and Orissa; and embraced, together with the security and defence of 
the British dominions, • the important objects of defeating the confe¬ 
derate chieftains in the field ; of establishing our allies, their highnesses 
the peishwah and the nizam, in their respective legitimate governments ; 
of securing the legitimate succession to the government of the Dekan j 
of delivering the unfortunate and aged emperor Shah Allum and the 
royal house of Timur from misery, degradation, and bondage; and 
of extirpating the last remnant of French influence in India, by res¬ 
cuing his imperial majesty the moghul from the hands of a desperate 
band of French adventurers ; and by destroying the powerful artillery 
and military resources of monsieur Perron, and of the French state 
founded upon the ruins of the authority of the moghul, and under the 
auspices of Scindiah, on the north-west frontier of Hindostan. 

The army under major-general Wellesley was directed to the purpose 
of opposing the confederated force under the command of Scindiah and 
the rajah of Berar. The effect of major-general Wellesley’s success 
might be expected to deliver from all danger the nizam, the peishwah, 
and the company’s possessions in Mysore, in the western and southern 

* Delhi to Poonah - - - 913 miles. Fort William to Bombay - - 1301 miles. 



Hyderabad - 
Baroach, about 
Cuttack - - 

Fort William to Poonah 


- 950 


800 


Fort St. George 
Fort St. George to Poonah 


- 1030 

- 660 

- 352 

- 769 
758 


- 902 
1289 

- 902 
1251 


Hyderabad 

Boorhanpoor 


Hyderabad 
Baroach - 


Fort St. George to Bombay 
Baroach to Cuttack - i 


near 1000 


districts 


49 


districts of the Dekan, and on the frontier of Berar; and to establish 
the governments of the guikwar, of Poonah, and of Hyderabad. 

By the reduction of Cuttack in Orissa an effectual blow would be 
struck against the rajah of Berar’s resources ; the only maritime terri¬ 
tory of the Marhattas on the eastern side of the peninsula of India 
would be secured from all intercourse with the French, a valuable ad¬ 
dition would be made to our revenue, and a strong barrier added to the 
frontier of Bengal against predatory incursion; the intercourse be¬ 
tween Bengal and the territories of Fort St. George would also be pro¬ 
tected from interruption. The seizure of Scindiah’s ports in Guzerat 
would leave no possession on the sea-coast of the western side of the 
peninsula to the Marhattas, excepting that occupied by our allies the 
peishwah and the guikwar, and the confined territories of Angria and 
other piratical states, through which the communication with Scin¬ 
diah’s territories is nearly impracticable. 

The operations on the north-west frontier of Oude, under the im¬ 
mediate direction of general Lake, embraced a most important branch 
of the war; namely,—First, the destruction of the power of the 
French adventurers established on the banks of the Jumna under mon¬ 
sieur Perron. Secondly, the extension of the British frontier to the' 
Jumna, with the possession of Agra, Delhi, and a sufficient chain of 
posts on the right bank of the Jumna for the protection of the naviga¬ 
tion of that river. Thirdly, the protection of the person of the em¬ 
peror Shah Allum. Fourthly, the establishment of an efficient system 
of alliance with the petty states beyond the right bank of the Jumna 
from Jeynagur to the province of Bundelcund*. Fifthly, the annexa- 

* This province is situated to the south-west of the Jumna river, about the 24th and 
25th degrees of north latitude. 


II 


-tion 


50 


lg0 .,. tioa of Bundelcund to the company’s dominions; by which annexA- 
' tion great additional security would be derived to the rich province 
and city of Benares, and an effectual check opposed to whatever power 
■might remain to the rajah of Berar, or to any other Marhatta chief in 
that quarter. 

The result of this plan of operations on the north-west frontier of 
Oude would destroy the influence of the French and of the Marhattas 
in the northern districts of Hindostan; and would enable the British 
government to commence the foundation of such an intercourse with 
the Seiks, and the tribes inhabiting the Punjab, and the banks ofj^he 
river Attock, as might furnish sufficient means of frustrating any at¬ 
tempt of an invading enemy from the western side of the Indus. 


In addition to these advantages, it was highly important to protect 
the person and nominal authority of the moghul against the designs of 
France. The person and authority of that unhappy monarch were treated 
by the Marhattas and by the French with the most barbarous indignity 
and violence ; and it appeared honourable to the reputation of the British 
name to afford a secure, respectable, and tranquil asylum to the fallen 
dignity and declining age of the emperor of Hindostan. It was also 
necessary to extend the protection of the British government to his 
majesty’s heir-apparent, and to any of the royal family ; who might 
otherwise fall into the hands of French adventurers, and, under the 
direction of French agents, might become a powerful aid to the cause of 
France in India. 

By the most accurate accounts which have been received on the 
subject of the forces of the enemy, it appears that, towards the close 
July. of the month of July, the troops opposed to major-general Wellesley, 
under the immediate command of Scindiah and of the rajah of 
4 Berar, - 


51 


Berar, in the field,-amounted to about 38,500 cavalry, 10,500 re¬ 
gular infantry, 500 matchlock-men, 500 rocket-men, and 190 pieces of 
ordnance. Two brigades, under monsieur Dudernaigue and major 
Brownrigg, amounting to twelve battalions, with a large train of artil¬ 
lery, had been ordered to Hindostan; and monsieur Pohlman’s bri¬ 
gade had been directed to return to Boorhanpoor, leaving with Scin- 
diah only eight battalions*, consisting of about 4500 men: the rajah 
of Berar’s infantry amounted to 6000 men. These forces were posted 
at Julgong, a place at the foot of the Adjuntee ghaut, in the Dekan. In 
addition to the troops already stated, Scindiah had an advanced party 
of a few thousand horse dispersed through the Adjuntee hills. 

The force under the immediate command of monsieur Perron, Scin- 
diah’s general in the northern provinces of Hindostan, amounted to 
about 16 or 17,000 regular and disciplined infantry, and a well ap¬ 
pointed and numerous train of artillery; together with a body of ir¬ 
regular troops, and from 15 to 20,000 horse, which it was also expected 
Would be increased by reinforcements of cavalry from the country of 
the Seiks, and from the rajahs and petty chiefs on the right bank of 
the Jumna river, who .were tributary to or in alliance with monsieur 
Perron. 

The head-quarters of monsieur Perron’s force were established near 
Coel, in a commanding situation on the frontier of our possessions, 
and on the most vulnerable point of our extensive empire. 

The local situation of Scindiah’s territories, and the nature of his 
military force in Hindostan, would always have constituted a serious 
danger to the British interests. Part of those territories was situated 

* Four battalions under monsieur Dupont, and four belonging to Begum Sumroo. 

H 2 between. 


1803. 



Amount of the 
forces of the 
'enemy towards 
the close of the 
month of July 
at Julgong, 
near the Ad¬ 
juntee ghaut. 
38,500 cavalry, 
10,500infantry, 
500 match - 
lockmen, 
500 rocket- 
men. 

50,000. 


Amount of the 
force under 
monsieur Per¬ 
ron in Hin¬ 
dostan. From 
16 to 17,000 
infantry, and 
from 15 to 
20,000 cavalry. 


52 


between the Jumna and the Ganges ; they interrupted, our line of de¬ 
fence in that quarter ; and some of Scindiah’s principal posts were in¬ 
troduced into the centre of our dominions, while the possession of 
Agra, Delhi, and of the right bank of the Jumna, enabled that chief¬ 
tain to command nearly the whole line of our north-western frontier. 

Formidable as the power of Scindiah might have proved in the 
event of any accession to his strength by a connection with France, or 
with any enemy to the British interest, a danger more urgent had 
grown out of the decline of Scindiah’s local authority in Flindostan in 
the establishment of a regular corps of infantry, under the command 
of European officers, supported by funds derivable almost exclusively 
from the territorial possessions of Scindiah, situated between the 
Jumna, Ganges, and the mountains of Cumaon. 

A considerable portion of this territory was assigned to monsieur 
Perron, who had formed it into an independent state, of which Scin¬ 
diah’s regular infantry might justly be termed the national army. The 
inhabitants of this territory considered monsieur Perron as their im¬ 
mediate sovereign, while the troops supported from the revenues of the 
country regarded monsieur Perron as the immediate executive autho¬ 
rity, from which the army was to receive orders, subsistence, and pay. 

Possessed of such means, monsieur Perron dictated with the autho¬ 
rity of a sovereign state of superior rank, and with the vigour of effi¬ 
cient military power, to the petty states occupying the countries on the 
right bank of the Jumna; and by the terror of his name and arms 
held in abject submission the rajepoot states of Jeynagur and Joud- 
pore, together with the Jauts and the state of Gohud, extending his 
influence even to Bundelcund, and to the country occupied by the 
Seiks. 


Under 


53 


Under the influence of a succession of French adventurers the Bri- i803. 
tish government must have been exposed to every intrigue of the 
’French in India, and even to the ambition and hostile spirit of the 
person who now rules the French nation; nor could an instrument of 
destruction more skilfully adapted to wound the heart of the British 
empire in India have been presented to the vindictive hand of the chief 
consul of France. 

This French state actually held possession of the person and nomi¬ 
nal authority of the moghul, maintained the most efficient army of re¬ 
gular infantry, and the most powerful artillery then existing in India, 

(with the exception of his majesty’s and the company’s troops,) and 
exercised a considerable influence over the neighbouring states, from 
the banks of the Indus to the confluence of the Jumna and the Ganges. 

Under any circumstances of an intimate connection between Scindiah 
and the British government, even in the event of that chieftain’s acces¬ 
sion to the treaty of Bassein, and to the general defensive alliance with 
the company, the nizam, and the peishwah, it is impossible to suppose 
that this French state would have co-operated with cordiality in sup¬ 
port of the British interests. 

In the event of an attack from France upon the British dominions 
in India, it could not be expected that a French state, erected under 
the nominal and ostensible auspices of Scindiah in Hindostan, would 
have afforded any substantial aid to the ally of the British power in a 
contest against France, even if that ally should have been disposed to 
have assisted us in such a crisis. 

On the other hand, no doubt existed that Scindiah would always re¬ 
ceive the most zealous aid from the same state, in any attempt which he 

might 


IS03. 



General state¬ 
ment of th£ 
.British forces 
assembled in 
different quar¬ 
ters of India. 


North-west 
frontier of 
Gude. 


54 

might make, either for the reduction of the British or for the aggran¬ 
disement of the French power in India. 

The safety of the British dominions in India, either with reference 
to a contest with Scindiah, to a renewal of war with France, or to both 
these contingencies, required therefore the reduction of monsieur Per¬ 
ron’s power ; and it became the duty of the British government to be 
prepared to assume the protection of its own territories, and to remove 
with its own hand the proximate cause of insecurity and alarm. 

The existence of monsieur Perron’s power was not, however, the 
caU.se of the present war in India; although in the event of a conti¬ 
nuance of the war with France it might have proved highly dangerous 
to the British interests, and must have occasioned discussions with 
Scindiah. The causes of the war with Scindiah were confined to the 
military movements, and to the hostile language and conduct, of that 
chief and of his allies. The destruction of monsieur Perron’s force 
necessarily became a primary object of the war, commenced on distinct 
grounds of complaint against Scindiah. 

The forces assembled in different quarters of India, for the purpose 
of carrying into effect the governor general’s comprehensive plan of 
operations against the confederate Marhatta chieftains, amounted to 
about 54,918 men, exclusive of pioneers, gun lascars, and persons 
attached to the store and ordnance departments. 

The army under the personal command of general Lake consisted 
of three regiments of European and five regiments of native cavalry, 
about two hundred European artillery, one regiment of European and 
eleven battalions of native infantry, amounting altogether to about 

10,500 


55 


10,500 men. The disposition of this force, towards the commence- 1803 . 
ment of, the month of August 1803, is exhibited in the order of battle 
which is annexed to these Notes. It is necessary however to observe, No ’ 1 ‘ 
that of this force his majesty’s 8th regiment of dragoons, the 6th regi¬ 
ment of native cavalry, and the 2d brigade of native infantry, had 
not yet joined the army. The 2d brigade and 6th regiment of na¬ 
tive cavalry were at Anopsheer; and the 8th regiment of dragoons 
had only at this period received its horses from the Nawaub vizier, 
and was not yet prepared to move from Cawnpore. 

In addition to this force, about 3500 men were assembled near Alla¬ 
habad for the purpose of invading the province of Bundelcund ; and 
about 2000 men were collected at Mirzapoor to cover the province and 
city of Benares, as well as to guard the passes in that quarter. Mea¬ 
sures* were also adopted for the defence of the whole line of the fron¬ 
tier from Mirzapoor to Midnapoor. 

The troops under the immediate command of major-general Welles- intheDek™. 
ley in the Dekan amounted to 16,823 men; exclusive of which a 
force was left at Poonah, consisting of a detachment of his majesty’s 
84th regiment, and 1035 sepoys, which were deemed fully sufficient, in 
conjunction with such troops as the peishwah himself had at Poonah, 
to afford complete protection to his highness, and to repell any attack 
which might be made upon that city. 

* It has appeared unnecessary to state in this place the detail of these measures, as it 
would be difficult to exhibit in a short compass the number and disposition of the troops 
employed on this service. It will be sufficient to observe, that every arrangement was 
adopted which could insure the complete attainment of the important objects proposed to 
be derived from a comprehensive and efficient system of defence. 


Allahabad and 
Mirzapoor, 


The 


56 


1 S0 3 . The force assembled for the invasion of the province of Cuttack 
amounted to 5216 men. 


In the doab of 
the Kistna and 
Toombudra 
rivere at 
Moodgul, 


May. 


It has already been stated that the main body of the army of Fort St. 
•George had been assembled at Hurryhur, on the north-western frontier 
of Mysore, under the' personal command of lieutenant-general Stuart. 
A part of this army had been detached toPoonah, under the command 
of major-general Wellesley, in the month of March 1803. Political 
considerations of importance, combined with advantages in a military 
point of vie\y, had induced general Stuart, at the suggestion of ma¬ 
jor-general Wellesley, to move with the remainder, towards the end of 
the month of May, to Moodgul, a town situated in the doab of the 
Kistna and Toombudra rivers, about fourteen marches from Hydera¬ 
bad. This position was admirably well calculated to afford protection 
to the nizam’s dominions, to overawe the southern Marhatta jagheer- 
dars, and to cover the company’s territories, by enabling general Stuart 
to interrupt with more facility the march of any body of troops that 
might attempt to penetrate into them. The force * at Moodgul 
amounted to three companies of European artillery, one regiment of 
European and two regiments of native cavalry, three corps of Eu- 


* The force under lieutenant-general Stuart at Moodgul: 


European cavalry - -- -- - 431 

Native ditto ------ - 846 

European infantry : 

Five companies of the 33d regiment, the 73d regiment, 

and seven companies of the 80th regiment - 1529 

European artillery - - - - - -251 

Native infantry - * - - 4769 


7826 

535 artillery lascars, and 62QMadras pioneers. 


ropean 


51 


ropean infantry, and five battalions of sepoys, with a large train of 
artillery, and a proportion of gun lascars and pioneers, amounting to 
7826.fighting men. The dewan and minister of Mysore, with a con¬ 
siderable force, encamped on the frontier of Mysore, in the rear of 
general Stuart; and by his position afforded additional protection to 
that country. In conformity to instructions for that purpose from 
the governor general, lieutenant-general Stuart detached, on the 29th 
of March, to Hyderabad two battalions of sepoys, under the com¬ 
mand of major Irton, for the purpose of securing tranquillity in that 
capital, in the event of the demise of the nizam, which at that period 
of time was rendered extremely probable from the declining state of 
his highness’s health. 

Circumstances connected with the arrival of a French armament in 
India, and the probability of a renewal of the war with France, ren¬ 
dered an alteration in the strength and disposition of the force at 
Moodgul advisable, and induced lieutenant-general Stuart to return to 
the presidency of Fort St. George. 

The 73d regiment and a battalion of sepoys were in consequence 
directed, about the beginning of the month of August, to proceed to 
the Carnatic ; and the remainder of the army, with the exception of 
two battalions of sepoys, which at different periods in the month of 
July were detached for the purpose of joining the troops under the 
command of major-general Wellesley, with considerable supplies of 
treasure, bullocks, and grain, was left at Moodgul, under the orders of 
major-general Campbell, who was directed by lieutenant-general Stuart 
to detach the force under his command (or a part of it,) to join the 
troops in advance, or to Hyderabad, on receiving a requisition to that 
effect from major-general Wellesley, or from major Kirkpatrick, the 
resident at the court of the nizam. 

i The 


1803. 



Alteration in 
the strength 
and disposition 
of the force a t 
Moodgul. 

August. 


58 


1803 . The corps de reserve*, under major-general Campbell, consisted of 
one regiment of European and two regiments of native cavalry, a 
serveatMood- proportion of European artillerymen, two corps of European and two 
Ln th of au- b atta p 0 ns Q f native infantry, with a party of pioneers, amounting to 
about 1277 cavalry, 820 European and 1935 native infantry, exclu¬ 
sive of artillery and pioneers. 

In addition to the troops under the command of major-general Wel¬ 
lesley, and those stationed at Hyderabad, Poonah, and Moodgul, there 
Guzerat. was a forcef in Guzerat, and in the town and dependencies of Surat, 
amounting to 2913 Europeans, and 4100 natives ; in all 7352 men. 
With a view to afford ample security to the valuable and important 


'* Corps de reserve at Moodgul. 

Cavalry—25th dragoons, 1st and 2d regiments \ 
native cavalry - 1 

Infantry—Five companies of the 33d, and seven I 
companies of the 80th regiment - S 

With a proportion of artillery and pioneers. 

f Force in Guzerat. 

Artillery - - European 188 

Infantry—His majesty's 61st regiment 154 
65th — 763 

75th — 573 

84th — 272 

86th — 815 

88th — 148 

Native infantry 

2913 


European. 

Native. 

Total. 

431 

— 846 

— 1277 

820 

— 1935 

— 2755 


About 4032 


Native 339 


4100 

4439 


7352 


province 


59 


province of Guzerat, and at the same time to have a disposable force 
that might eventually be employed in active operations against the 
enemy, major-general Wellesley (after providing garrisons for Surat, 
Brodera, Cambay, Kareah, Songhur, Purneerah, and eventually for 
Baroach,) divided the remainder of the force in Guzerat, amounting 
to *4281 men, into two detachments; of which one, amounting to 
2187f men, was stationed in front of Brodera, (the residence of the 
guikwar,) to the northward of the Nerbudda river. The other de¬ 
tachment:]:, consisting of 2094 men, was directed to occupy a position 
south of the Taptee river, between Songhur and Surat; two six- 
pounders were attached to each corps, and each of the detachments 
was ordered to be completed with two twelve-pounders and two five- 
and-half-inch howitzers. The whole of the force in Guzerat was, at 
the recommendation of major-general Wellesley, placed under the or¬ 
ders of colonel Murray, of his majesty’s 84th regiment. 

* Abstract. 

Artillery - - European 99 

Infantry—His majesty’s 65th regiment 763 

86th — 815 

Native infantry - 2604 

1677 2604 

1677 

Total 4281 


t Artillery ----- 50 

His majesty’s 86th regiment - - - 815 

Two battalions of sepoys - - 1322 

- 2187 

J Artillery - - - - 49 

His majesty’s 65th regiment - - 763 

Two battalions of sepoys - - - 1282 


1803. 



From 


60 


1803. 



Abstract state¬ 
ment of the 
British forces. 
August. 


From these details it appears, that the total number of British 
troops including garrisons in Guzerat and at Surat (3071 men), pre¬ 
pared at the commencement of the month of August to support the 
arrangements concluded with the peishwah, amounted to 54,918* 
men. Of this number about 10,500 men were assembled in the pro¬ 
vinces lately ceded by the Nawaub vizier to the company, under the 
personal command of the commander in chief general Lake ; about 
5500 men were prepared to invade the province of Bundelcund, and 
to cover the province and city of Benares ; 5216 men were assembled 
for the invasion of the province of Cuttack ; 4281 men were stationed 
as a field force in Guzerat; 16,823 men were under the immediate 
command of major-general Wellesley, and destined for active opera¬ 
tions against the confederated chieftains ; 1997 men were stationed at 
Hyderabad to ensure the tranquillity of that city, and the regular 
succession to the musnud on the contingency of the nizam’s death; 
1598 remained at Poonah for the protection of that capital, and of the 


* Abstract of the forces prepared at the commencement of August 1803:: 
In Hindostan, under the personal command of the com¬ 
mander in chief, general Lake - 

At Allahabad and Mirzapoor -- 

In the Dekan, under the immediate personal command of 
general Wellesley _ 

Subsidiary force under colonel Stevenson - 


8903 

7920 


At Hyderabad 

At Poonah - 

At Moodgul - - i, 

On the march from Moodgul - 
Field force in Guzerat - 

Garrisons at ditto, and at Surat - 
For the invasion of Cuttack _ 

otal (exclusive of gun iascars, pioneers, artificers, and store lascars) 


10,500 

5500 


16,823' 

1997 

1598 

4032: 

1900 

4281 

3071 

5210 

54,918 


person 



61 


person of the peishwah ; 1900 were on their march from Moodgul, to 
join the troops under major-general Wellesley; and 4032 men occu¬ 
pied a favourable position in the doab of the Kistna and Toombudra 
rivers, under the command of major-general Campbell. 

It may be proper to state, in this place, that the expected death of August 6. 
his highness the nizam took place at Hyderabad on the 6th of Au- died, and was 

. . J succeeded by- 

gUSt 1803. His highness s eldest son Mirza Secunder Jah was son, the 

prince Mirza 

immediately proclaimed successor to the soubahdarry of the Dekan. Secunder Jah - 
On the 7th of August Mirza Secunder Jah took his seat on the mus- 
nud, to which he was conducted by the resident at Hyderabad, and 
by rajah Ragotim Rao, the deputy of his late highness’s prime mi¬ 
nister Azim-ul-Omra, and received the congratulatory presents of all 
the principal officers of his government at Hyderabad. 

The event of the late nizam’s death did not occasion any inter¬ 
ruption of the public tranquillity ; and the accession of Mirza Secun¬ 
der Jah was generally acknowledged by the younger sons of his 
late highness, and by all the officers and subjects of his highness’s 
government. 

% 

The preservation of tranquillity at Hyderabad at that important 
crisis must be ascribed principally to the position of the British 
armies under the command of major-general Wellesley and colonel 
Stevenson, and of the corps de reserve stationed at Moodgul, for the 
purpose of eventually proceeding to Hyderabad, if the situation of 
affairs at that capital should render such a movement expedient ot* 
necessary for the preservation of tranquillity, and for securing the* 
regular order of succession on the death of the nizam, 



The 


62 


The object of these notes will now be directed to the statement of 
the progress of the British arms, in the contest in which the British 
government of India has been unavoidably involved with the confe¬ 
derate Marhatta chieftains. 


April 28 th. Major-general Wellesley thought it proper, towards the close of the 
Sarr month of April, to order colonel Stevenson to collect the subsidiary 
lend Stevenson force and the nizam’s troops at Gardoon, and to march to the north- 
tion of the' 6 '” war d towards Aurungabad for the protection of that part of the 

nizam’s fron¬ 
tier near Au- nizam’s frontier. 

rungabad. 

The detachment under the command of colonel Stevenson* con¬ 
sisted of two companies of European artillery, one regiment of Eu¬ 
ropean infantry, two regiments of native cavalry, and six battalions 
of native infantry, with a fine train of artillery, and a large body of 
the nizam’s cavalry and disciplined infantry. 

With a view to the settlement of the peishwah’s territories, and to 
await the issue of the negotiation with the confederate Marhatta 
chieftains, major-general Wellesley marched from Poonah with the 
main body of the forces under his command on the 4th of June, and 
on the 14th of the same month encamped at Walkee, within a short 
distance of Ahmednuggur, a strong fort belonging to Dowlut Rao 


June 4. 
March of ma¬ 
jor-general 
Wellesley from 
Poonah for the 
settlement of 
the peishwah’s 
territories. 

June 14. 


'* Abstract of the force under colonel Stevenson, from the return of the 25th June 1803 : 


Native cavalry - 9°° 

European artillery - - - 120 

Ditto infantry (his majesty’s Scotch brigade) 778 
Native infantry - - - 6113 


With 276 gun lascars and 202 pioneers. 

1 


7920 


Scindiah 


63 


Scindiah at the distance of about eighty miles from Poonah. The 
force under the command of major-general Wellesley* amounted to 
one regiment of European and three regiments of native cavalry, two 
companies of European artillery, two regiments of European and six 
battalions of native infantry, with a considerable train of artillery, a 
large proportion of artillery lascars and native pioneers, and a body 
of 2400 horse furnished by the rajah of Mysore. The army under 
general Wellesley was also accompanied by an inconsiderable propor¬ 
tion of the contingent of troops (about 3000 horse) which the peish- 
wah is required to furnish by the treaty of Bassein. There is no 
reason however to ascribe this deficiency to any want of inclination 
on the part of his highness to adhere to the faith of his engagements 
with the British government. The peishwah’s contingent and the 
rajah of Mysore’s cavalry occupied a position at Sargaree, about twenty 
miles south-east of Ahmednuggur. 

Major-general Wellesley received intelligence of the issue of the 
British resident’s negotiation with Scindiah and the rajah of Berar on 
the 6th of August 1803, but was prevented from moving by a 
very heavy fall of rain which lasted for three days, and which had 
rendered the road from Walkee to Ahmednuggur totally impassable. 
The weather cleared up however on the 7th; and on the 8th of Au¬ 
gust major-general Wellesley commenced his march towards the 


Force under major-general Wellesley. 


Cavalry.—His majesty’s 19th dragoons and 

European. 

Native. Total. 

the 4th, 5th, and 7th regts. native cavalry, S 

384 

— 1347 — 1731 

Artillery ------ 

- 

172 

Infantry.—His majesty’s 74th and 78th regts_ \ 
and six battalions of sepoys J 

1368 

— 5631 — 6999 

With 357 artillery lascars and 653 Madras pioneers. 


Total 8903 

fortress 


1803. 



Commence¬ 
ment Of HOS¬ 
TILITIES in the 
Dekan, 


August S. 


64 


1803 . fortress of Ahmednuggur, the fortified town of which was on the 
FordtiedTown morning of the same day attacked and carried by escalade. On ar- 
%£££*?' riving within a short distance of the fortress, three parties were im- 
tS'ofA^. mediately formed for the purpose of assaulting the fortified town. 

The party on the left, -commanded by lieutenant-colonel Harness as 
brigadier of the day, consisted of two flank companies of his ma¬ 
jesty’s 78th regiment, and the advanced picquets; the centre attack 
was composed of eight companies of the 74th regiment with some 
sepoys, under the orders of lieutenant-colonel Wallace; and the 
party on the right was commanded by captain Vesey, who had under 
his orders the two flank companies of the 74th, and the 1st battalion 
of the 3d regiment native infantry. 


Fortress of 
Ahmednuggur 
capitulated to 
general Wel¬ 
lesley on the 
12th of August. 


The attack under captain Vesey succeeded without difficulty; but 
the scaling ladders of the party on the left, under lieutenant-colonel 
Harness, were placed against apart of the wall which had no rampart, 
and the troops were fired upon from the inside of the town as soon 
as they had reached the top of the ladders, without the possibility of 
descending into the town to charge the enemy. Colonel Harness, 
finding that he could not obtain a footing on the wall, drew off the 
party, and entered the town at another point. In the mean time, his 
centre attack under lieutenant-colonel Wallace had moved on and 
placed the ladders against a bastion, which they carried with great 
ease. The enemy made some resistance in the streets, and a party of 
Arabs actually charged the grenadiers of the 78th. They were instantly 
repulsed, and put to flight; and the town was soon afterwards eva¬ 
cuated by the enemy, who had suffered some loss. On the 10th of 
August batteries were opened against the fort, which surrendered on 
the 12th of the same month. The official details of this operation 
are so complete, that it will be sufficient to refer to the printed copy 



4 


65 


of major-general Wellesley’s dispatch of the 12th of August to the 
governor general, which is annexed to these Notes. 

The possession of this fortress is of peculiar importance to the pro¬ 
secution of our military operations, by securing the communication 
with Poonah, and by affording a depot for supplies of provisions and 
military stores. Major-general Wellesley, immediately after the cap¬ 
ture of the fort, proceeded to take possession of all the districts depen¬ 
dent on Ahmednuggur, yielding an estimated annual revenue of 
6,34,000 rupees. These districts were placed under the temporary 
management and authority of a British officer. 

A respectable garrison was also stationed in Ahmednuggur ; and 
every other arrangement being completed, major-general Wellesley 
moved to the Godavery river, which he crossed with the whole of his 
army by the 24th of August. 

On the 29th of August major-general Wellesley arrived at Aurun- 
gabad. Dowlut Rao Scindiah and the rajah of Berar had on the 24th 
of August entered the territories of the nizam by the ghaut of Ad- 
juntee, with a large body of horse. They passed between colonel Ste¬ 
venson’s corps (which had moved to the eastward towards the Badowly 
ghaut) and Aurungabad, and reached Jalnapoor, a small fort, the ca¬ 
pital of a : ' district of the same name, about forty miles east from Au- 
rungabad. As sobiTas the enemy heard of major-general Wellesley’s 
arrival at Aurungabad, they moved to the southward and eastward, 
with in intention, as it was reported, to cross the Godavery, and march 
upon Hyderabad. Major-general Wellesley immediately marched to 
the banks of that river, and continued to move to the eastward 
along its left bank. The river, at that period of time, was ford- 

k able 


9 


1803. 



T he whole of 
th e official Ga 
zettes are con, 
tained iu Ap 
pendix D. 


August 24. 


August 29. 


66 


1803. 



Jalnapoor 
taken on the 2d 
of September. 


Cot Stevenson 
surprises tho 
enemy’s camp 
9th Sept. 


able in every part; which is a circumstance that was never before 
known to have happened at that season of the year. 

This movement checked the enemy’s operations to the southward, 
and they immediately returned to the northward of Jalnapoor. It 
also afforded complete protection to two important convoys of grain 
and treasure, which had been detached by lieutenant-general Stuart 
from Moodgul, and of which the last convoy under major Hill 
joined major-general Wellesley’s force on the 18th of September. 

Colonel Stevenson returned from the eastward on the 1st of Sep¬ 
tember, and on the 2d attacked and carried the fort of Jalnapoor. 
While general Wellesley was engaged in covering the advance of his 
convoys, and in preventing the enemy from crossing the Godavery 
river, colonel Stevenson made several attempts to bring the confede¬ 
rates to action. He was successful in the night of the 9th of Sep¬ 
tember in surprising their camp, but the nature of the attack makes 
it impossible to know the exact amount of the loss which the enemy 
sustained on that occasion. 

During their incursion towards the Godavery river, the enemy’s ir¬ 
regular horse occasioned little injury to the nizam’s territories, and 
in many places they were defeated by the common peons* stationed 
in the different villages which they attacked. Finding that this mode 
of warfare was not attended with success, the confederate chieftains de¬ 
termined to change their plan of operations, and moved to the north¬ 
ward, near the Adjuntee pass, where they were joined by a detachment 

* Peons, irregular infantry of the worst kind, generally employed in the collection of 
the revenue. 

of 


* 


67 


of regular infantry (under the command of monsieur Pohlman and 
monsieur Dupont), consisting of sixteen battalions*, with a large and 
' well equipped train of artillery. The whole of the enemy’s army was 
collected about Bokerdun, and between that place and Jaffierabad. 

On the 21st of September the two corps under the command of 
major-general Wellesley and colonel Stevenson met at Budnapoor; 
and it was determined that the two divisions should move separately 
towards the enemy, and attack them on the morning of the 24th. 
The disposition which the confederates had hitherto manifested to 
avoid an action, and the necessity of making a vigorous effort against 
their main force, afforded no other means of effecting these import¬ 
ant objects than the plan adopted on this occasion by major-general 
Wellesley. With this view, the two divisions marched on the 22d, 
colonel Stevenson by the western route, and major-general Welles¬ 
ley by the eastern route round the hills between Budnapoor and 
Jalna. 


The division Under major-general Wellesley marched to Paugy on 
the 22d of September, and on the 23d to Naulnair, at which place 
intelligence was received that the combined armies of Scindiah and 
the rajah of Berar were encamped at the distance of about six 


* Monsieur Pohlman’s brigade - - - 6000^ 

Monsieur Dupont’s - - - - - 2400 


Four battalions belonging to Begum Sumroo 2000 


“Ordered back towards the end of 
August from Boorhanpoor. Two 
battalions had already crossed 
the Taptee on their way to that 
place, when the whole brigade 
received orders to return and join 
- Scindiah’s camp. 


Total infantry, exclusive of artillerymen, 
and of the rajah of Berar’s infantry 


10,400 


K 2 


miles 


1803. 



2I$t Sept. 


22d Sept. 





1SOS. 



Battle of Aj- 
sye 2:;cl Sep¬ 
tember—Vide 
Plan No. 2, in 
the Appendix. 


. 68 

miles from the ground on which general Wellesley had intended to 
encamp. 

General Wellesley immediately determined to attack the enemy, 
instead of waiting until the morning of the 24th for the. arrival ol 
colonel Stevenson. If general Wellesley had not adopted this judi¬ 
cious and spirited resolution, the enemy would probably have haras¬ 
sed him during the whole day of the 23d ; and as he could afford no 
other security to the baggage of his army, than the intrenchments 
•which he might be enabled to construct, it must have been exposed to 
loss if he had waited until the 24th : at all events, he would have been 
obliged to leave more than one battalion for the protection of the 
baggage. By attacking on the 23d, the enemy would be kept in ig¬ 
norance respecting the position of the baggage of our army: and in 
addition to these circumstances, there was every reason to believe that 
the enemy would learn that colonel Stevenson was on his march to 
attack them on the 24th ; in which case, it was extremely probable 
that they would withdraw their guns and infantry in the course of 
the night of the 23d, in order that they might avoid the combined 
attack of the British armies on the 24th. The immediate attack 
of the enemy, therefore, was a measure of . prudence as well as of 
courage. 

Having provided for the security of his baggage and stores, which 
were left at Naulnair, under the protection of a battalion of sepoys 
and four hundred men taken from the native corps, general Wel¬ 
lesley moved on towards the army of the confederates, which he found 
encamped between and along the course of two rivers, the Kaitna 
and the Juah, towards their junction. Their line extended past and 
west along the north bank of the Kaitna river, the banks of which 
are high and rocky, and are impassable for guns, excepting at places 
close to the villages. 

The 


69 

The right of the enemy, which consisted entirely of cavalry, was 
posted in the vicinity of Bokerdun, and extended to their line of in¬ 
fantry, which was encamped in the neighbourhood of the fortified 
village of Assye. The British army had marched fourteen miles to 
Naulnair; and the distance from that place to the enemy’s camp 
being six miles, it was one o’clock in the afternoon before the British 
troops came in sight of the combined army of the confederates. 

Although major-general Wellesley arrived in front of the right of 
the enemy, he determined to attack their left, where the guns and in¬ 
fantry were posted; and accordingly marched round to their left 
flank, covering the march of the column of British infantry by the 
British cavalry in the rear, and by the Marhatta (the peishwah’s) and 
Mysore cavalry on the right flank. 

The British troops passed the river Kaitna at a ford beyond the 
enemy’s left flank, near the village of Pepulgaon. Major-general 
Wellesley formed the infantry in two lines, with the British cavalry as 
a reserve in a third, in an open space between the Kaitna and the 
Juah rivers, which run nearly parallel. The peishwah’s and the My¬ 
sore cavalry* occupied the ground beyond, or to the southward of 
the Kaitna river on die left flank of the British troops, and kept in 
check a large body of the enemy’s cavalry, which had followed gene¬ 
ral Wellesley’s route from the right of dieir own position. The first 

* This corps has performed all the duties of light troops with general Wellesley's army 
since its march from Mysore in March 1803, (during which time they were frequently 
engaged with the enemy,) with a degree of alacrity and zeal which has seldom been dis¬ 
played by troops of this description. To the credit of the government of Mysore, this 
body of cavalry is as regularly paid as the British troops. The peishwah’s troops have also 
conducted themselves in a manner, to merit approbation. 

4 


line 


70 


isos. line of major-general Wellesley’s infantry consisted of the advanced 
’~ v picquets to the right, two battalions of sepoys, and his majesty’s 78th 
regiment; the second, of his majesty’s 74th regiment and two batta¬ 
lions of sepoys; and the third, of his majesty’s 19th dragoons with 
jhree regiments of native cavalry. 

The number of British troops engaged appears to have amounted 
to about 1200 cavalry, European and- native, 1300 European infantry 
and artillery, and 2000 sepoys ; in all about 4500 men. The force of 
the enemy consisted of sixteen regular battalions of infantry* (amount¬ 
ing to 10,500 men) commanded by European officers, a well equipped 
train of artillery exceeding in number one hundred guns, and some 
very large bodies of horse, consisting, it is stated, (and as it would 
appear from a reference to the statement of the forces of the con¬ 
federates as they stood at the commencement of the month of 
August,) of between 30 and 40,000 men. 

The enemy commenced a cannonade, but with little effect, as the 
British troops advanced to the Kaitna river, and, having discovered 
general Wellesley’s intention to attack their left, changed the posi¬ 
tion of their infantry and guns, which no longer, as at first, was 
along the north .bank of the Kaitna river, but extended from that 
river across to the village of Assye upon the Juah river, which was 
upon the right of the British army. A second line was formed 
nearly at right angles to the rear of the enemy’s first line, with its 
left towards the village of Assye, and its rear to the Juah river, 
along the bank of which it extended in a westerly direction from the 
village of Assye. General Wellesley immediately attacked the enemy, 

* The rajah of Berar’s infantry, and Sciridiah’s irregular Infantry, are not included in 
this number. 


and 


71 


and the British troops, advanced under a very severe fire from the 
enemy’s cannon, the execution of which was terrible. The British 
artillery had opened upon the enemy at the distance of four hundred 
yards; but general Wellesley finding that it produced little effect on 
the enemy’s powerful and extensive line of infantry and guns, and 
that his guns could not advance on account of the number of men 
and bullocks which had been disabled, ordered his artillery to be 
left behind, and the whole line to move on: at the same time major- 
general Wellesley directed lieutenant-colonel Maxwell, with the British 
cavalry, to take care of the right of the infantry as the line advanced 
towards* the enemy, who were soon compelled (notwithstanding 
their tremendous cannonade) to fall back upon the second line in 
front of the Juah river. The picquets of the infantry and "the 74th 
regiment, which were on the right of general Wellesley’s first and 
second lines, suffered particularly from the-fire of the guns on the left 
of the enemy’s position near Assye. The 74th regiment was so 
thinned by the enemy’s cannonade, that a body of the enemy’s ca¬ 
valry was encouraged to charge it, at the moment when the regiment 
was most exposed to this fii^e: but the enemy were charged in turn 
by the British cavalry, who had been directed to protect the right 
of general Wellesley’s line, and who drove the enemy with great 
slaughter into the Juah river. At length the enemy’s line, over¬ 
awed by the steady advance of the British troops, gave way in every 
direction ; and the British cavalry, who had crossed to the northward 
of the Juah river, cut in among their broken infantry, and charged the 
fugitives along the bank of the river with the greatest effect. General 
Wellesley’s force was not equal in numbers to the duty of securing all 
his advantages in the heat of the action; and many of the enemy’s guns, 
which had been left in his rear, were turned again upon the British 
troops by individuals, who having thrown themselves upon the ground 
near the enemy’s guns, had been passed by the British line under the 

supposition 


12 


supposition that they were dead, and who availed themselves of this 
artifice (which is often practised by the troops composing the armies 
of native powers in India) to continue for some time a very heavy 
fire. 

. Some of the enemy’s corps however went off in good order, and 
lieutenant-colonel Maxwell was killed in charging with the British 
cavalry (who had recrossedthe Juah river) a body of infantry which 
had retired, and was again formed. Some time elapsed before the 
fire which the enemy kept up from the guns which they had man¬ 
ned in the rear of the British line - could be stopped; and general 
Wellesley was himself obliged to take the 78th regiment and the 7th 
regiment native cavalry to effect this object. In the course of this 
operation the general’s horse was shot under him. The enemy’s 
cavalry also, which had been hovering round the British troops 
throughout the action, still continued near general Wellesley’s line. 
In a short time, however, the body of the enemy’s infantry, which 
had formed again, and had been charged by the British cavalry, gave 
way; and general Wellesley having compelled the parties of the 
enemy in the rear of his line to abandon the guns which they had 
seized and turned against the British troops, the victory was decided, 
and the enemy retreated, leaving twelve hundred men dead on the 
field of battle, the whole country covered with their wounded, and 
in the possession of the British troops, ninety-eight pieces of can¬ 
non, seven standards, their camp equipage, a great number of bul¬ 
locks and camels, and a large quantity of military stores and am¬ 
munition. 

During this severe and brilliant action, the conduct of major-general 
Wellesley united a degree of ability, prudence, and of dauntless spirit, 
seldom equalled and never surpassed. It is impossible to bestow any 

commendation 


73 


commendation superior to the skill, magnanimity, promptitude and 
judgment displayed by major-general Wellesley on this memorable 
occasion; nor can any instance be adduced from the annals of our mi¬ 
litary glory of more exemplary order, firmness, discipline, and alacrity, 
than was manifested by the British troops in every stage of the arduous 
contest which preceded the splendid victory of Assye. The whole 
line, led by general Wellesley in person, advanced to the charge 
with the greatest bravery and steadiness, without its guns, against a 
most severe and destructive fire of round and grape, until within a 
very short distance of the enemy; whom the British troops compelled 
(notwithstanding their superior numbers), at the point of the bayonet, 
to abandon their guns, and to relinquish the field of battle, which Scin- 
diah’s infantry had maintained with much obstinacy for more than 
three hours. Several officers in general Wellesley’s army, who have 
served during the late campaigns in-the continent of Europe, have 
declared, that it is no disparagement to the French artillery to say, that 
cannon were never better served than by the enemy at Assye on the 
23d of September; but, notwithstanding this circumstance, and the 
appearance of large bodies of the enemy’s cavalry, who several times 
manifested a disposition to charge general Wellesley’s line, the British 
troops, animated by the gallant spirit of their general, and emulating 
the noble example of his zeal and courage, exhibited a degree of re¬ 
solution, firmness, and discipline, which completely overawed the 
enemy’s cavalry and infantry, and forced them both to retire with the 
loss of 1200 men killed in the field of battle, besides a vast number of 
wounded, scattered over the country in the vicinity of the field of bat¬ 
tle. It is reported that Scindiah’s principal minister received a wound 
in the action, of which he afterwards died, and an European officer 
(apparently of rank) was also cut down, and afterwards found dead on 
the field of battle. 

i. The 


1803. 



October 8. 
Major-general 
Wellesley re¬ 
ceived an inti¬ 
mation of the 
desire of the 
confederates to 
negotiate a 
peace. 


. 1 4 

The loss sustained by the British troops in this glorious and decisive 
action was very severe, and (as well as the number and description of 
the ordnance taken from the enemy) is exhibited in major-general 
Wellesley’s official dispatch, which (together with the general orders 
issued by the governor general in council, on this memorable occasion) 
forms a number in the Appendix to these Notes. 

Colonel Stevenson with the corps under his command joined 
major-general Wellesley on the evening of the 24th, and was imme-, 
diately detached in pursuit of the enemy. Colonel Stevenson had 
experienced several impediments, which prevented his joining major- 
general Wellesley so soon as was expected: but no blame can be im¬ 
puted to that gallant officer, whose conduct has always been distin¬ 
guished by the greatest zeal, activity, and public spirit. 

On the 8th of October major-general Wellesley received a letter from 
the camp of Scindiah, signed by Ballajee Khoonjur*, one of Scindiah’s 
ministers, requesting that major-general Wellesley would dispatch a 
British officer, together with an officer of the soubah of the Dekan, to 
the enemy’s camp, for the purpose of negotiating terms of peace 
between the allies and the confederate Marhatta chieftains. Major- 
general Wellesley refused to comply with the request of Ballajee 
Khoonjur; first, because in the application of Ballajee Khoonjur no 
reference was made to the authority either of Dowlut Rao Scindiah or 
the rajah of Berar, and consequently that it was not certain that the 
application proceeded from either of those chieftains, either or both of 

* Ballajee Khoonjur was originally dispatched by his highness the peishwah fromBassein 
to Dowlut Rao Scindiah, for the purpose of explaining to that chieftain the nature of the ’ 
engagements concluded by the peishwah and the British government ; but, with the ac¬ 
customed versatility and treachery of a Marhatta politician, Ballajee Khopnjur has subse¬ 
quently attached himself to the service of Scindiah. 

2 whom 


75 


whom might hereafter disavow the act of Ballajee Khoonjur; and, 
secondly, because the presence of a British officer in the enemy’s camp 
at that moment, would have tended to raise the spirits of the enemy’s 
troops, and to prevent their dispersion, and would have been represented 
by the enemy as an attempt on the part of the British government to 
sue for peace: but signified at the same time his disposition to receive 
at the British camp, with every mark of honour and respect, any person 
duly empowered by the direct authority of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, or 
of the rajah of Berar, to propose terms of peace to the allied powers. * 

The confederates having collected the remains of their broken army, 
and moved to the westward along the bank of the Taptee, probably with 
a view to proceed to the southward, by the road which leads by the 
Caserbary ghaut and Ahmednuggur, to Poonah, general Wellesley de¬ 
termined not to descend the Adjuntee ghaut with the division under 
his immediate command, but to remain to the southward, and to re¬ 
gulate his movements by those of the enemy. Colonel Stevenson, 
however, was directed to continue his route to Boorhanpoor*; and 
there can be little doubt but that the fall of that city, and of the strong 
and important hill fort of Asseerghur (which has been denominated 
the key of the Dekanj, will soon add another triumph to the British 
arms on the western side of India. 

While major-general Wellesley was employed in watching the move¬ 
ments and checking the inroads of the armies of Dowlut Rao Scindiah 

* Authentic advices have since been received from the resident at Hyderabad, under date 
the 6th of November, announcing the surrender of this city to the forces under the com¬ 
mand of colonel' Stevenson on the 16th of October j and the capitulation of the fort of 
Asseerghur, situated about twenty miles north-east of Boorhanpoor, to colonel Stevenson on 
the 21st of the same month. The garrison of Asseerghur are prisoners of war. A vaqu'eel 
of high rank from Dowlut Rao Scindiah has also arrived in the, camp of major-general 
Wellesley for the purpose of negotiating a peace.-r—Vide the official Gazettes in Appen¬ 
dix D. 

L 2 


1803. 



Boorhanpoor 
surrendered on 
the 16th, and 
Asseerghur on 
the 21st of Oc¬ 
tober.—Vide 
Appendix D. 


and 


76 


1903 . and the rajah of Berar, these chieftains received the most severe blows 
from the successes of the other divisions of the Biitish armies, who 
were employed in the operations against the provinces of Guzerat on 
the western, and of Cuttack on the eastern side of India. 

August. In conformity to the plan of operations suggested to the govern- 
tiirovinceuf ment of Bombay by major-general Wellesley, under the orders of the 
governor general, lieutenant-colonel Woodington of the Bombay es¬ 
tablishment, with a respectable detachment composed of his majesty s 
86th regiment, and a proportion of European artillery and native 
infantry, marched from Baroda on the 21st of August, and encamped 
within two miles of the fort of Baroach on the 23d. On the 24th 
lieutenant-colonel Woodington moved on to Bargood, and found the 
enemy in front of the pettali, ready to receive him. The enemy was 
soon compelled to retreat into the fort; and on the following morning 
lieutenant-colonel Woodington attacked and took possession of the 
pettah on the western face of the fort of Baroach. 


Guzerat. 


August 21. 
August 23. 


Baroach 
stormed and 
carried on the 
29th of August 


The fort of Baroach was stormed and carried on the 29tli of August; 
the day on which general Lake, on the north-west frontier of Oude 
(a direct distance of about six hundred miles) attacked and compelled 
monsieur Perron’s forces to quit the field of battle near Coel. 

The breach was reported to be practicable at one A. M. on the 29th; 
but lieutenant-colonel Woodington was induced to delay the assault 
until three o’clock P. M., not only that he might profit by the assist¬ 
ance of the Fury gun-vessel and an armed boat, which it was expected 
would arrive in time to take their stations opposite to the fort, but 
that it appeared to colonel Woodington, that the proposed time for the 
assault was a likely hour to find the-enemy off their guard. The vessel 
and the armed boat however did not arrive in time to afford any 

assistance. The storming party, consisting of 100 Europeans and 200 

i natives. 


77 


natives, was led by captain Richardson of his majesty’s 86th regiment, i 803 . 
supported by a second party, amounting to one hundred and fifty 
Europeans and two hundred and fifty natives, under the command of 
major Cuyler of the same regiment. The reserve, under captain Be- 
thune of the Bombay establishment, was composed of one hundred 
Europeans and one hundred sepoys. 

The enemy opposed a vigorous resistance to the attack of the troops, 
but were soon compelled to retreat and to abandon the fort, which was 
completely carried with little loss on the part of the British troops. After 
captain Richardson had obtained possession of the first gateway, major 
Cuyler, with the supporting party, pushed on so rapidly that he over¬ 
took a party of Arabs before they could effect their escape out of the 
fort, and killed about two hundred in the attack. The enemy also lost 
several horses during the attack on this party of Arabs, which was 
composed of cavalry and infantry. The casualties on the part of the 
British troops during the siege of Baroach were not severe, and are 
detailed in the official gazette of the 3d of October 1803, which is an¬ 
nexed to these Notes. Together with the fort of Baroach, the honour¬ 
able company obtained possession of the district of that name, which 
yields an estimated annual revenue of eleven lacs of rupees. 

After the capture of Baroach, lieutenant-colonel Woodington pro- conquest of the 
ceeded to reduce the district of Champaneer, which was the only ter- champaneer 
* ritory remaining to Scindiah in the province of Guzerat; and after- September 1 
wards attacked the fort of Powanghur, a strongly fortified hill, with 
the town of Champaneer attached, situated about twenty-five miles 
east of Brodera, on the western confines of the province of Malwa. 

The town or pettah of Champaneer was attacked and carried by assault 
with little loss on the part of the British troops, and the fort -was sum¬ 
moned to surrender. The killahdar having refused to comply with 
the summons, preparations were immediately made for the attack of 

the 


78 


1903. 



Operations in 
Cuttack. 


the fort, which was to have been stormed on the 17th of September, 
when the fort capitulated and was immediately occupied by the British 
troops. The operations of the army of Bombay in Guzerat were all 
planned and executed with the greatest judgment, spirit, and courage. 

It has already been stated, that a principal object of the governor 
general’s attention was directed to the formation of an arrangement 
for the occupation of the province of Cuttack. For this purpose a 
part of the northern division of the army under the presidency of 
Fort St. George, commanded by lieutenant-colonel Campbell of his 
majesty’s 74th regiment, was ordered to be holden in readiness to pro¬ 
ceed on that expedition from Ganjam; and a detachment, consisting of 
two companies of his majesty’s 22d regiment, and a part of the 20th 
Bengal regiment, was dispatched from Fort William to reinforce the 
troops under lieutenant-colonel Campbell’s command. The whole of 
that force consisted of five hundred and seventy-three Europeans of 
his majesty’s and the honourable company’s troops, 2408 sepoys, and a 
party of native cavalry consisting of sixty men. 

The governor general had also directed a detachment consisting of 
five hundred Bengal native volunteers to proceed by sea, under the 
command of captain Dick, for the purpose of occupying the post of 
Balasore. Previously, however, to the departure of this detachment 
from Fort William, intelligence was received, which induced the 
governor general to consider it possible that the Marhatta forces in 
Berar had been reinforced, and that a vigorous opposition might be 
expected at the fort of Cuttack, as well as during the advance of the 
British troops from Ganjam. 

This circumstance determined the governor general to send captain 
Dick’s detachment, with some additional battering guns, direct to 
Ganjam, for the purpose of reinforcing the main body of the British 

troops 


79 


troops advancing from that quarter; and the detachment accordingly 
embarked* from Fort William on the 30th of August. 

In consequence of a severe illness, lieutenant-colonel Campbell was 
rendered unable to proceed with the detachment from Ganjam. The 
governor general therefore, at the express solicitation of lieutenant- 
colonel Campbell, then confined to his bed by a violent fever, dis¬ 
patched on the 28th of August his military secretary lieutenant-colonel 
Harcourt, of his majesty’s 12th regiment of foot, to Ganjam, for the 
purpose of taking the command of the troops assembled at that station. 
The governor general also directed a second detachment of five hun¬ 
dred native volunteers, a proportion of artillery men, four field 
pieces, and a proportion of stores, to embark under the command of 
captain Morgan of the Bengal establishment, on the 13th of September, 
from Fort William, and to occupy Balasore. Another detachment was 
at the same time formed at Jelasore, under the command of lieu¬ 
tenant-colonel Fergusson of the establishment of Bengal, consisting of 
770 sepoys and 84 men of the governor general’s body guard, with two 
galloper guns, for the purpose of advancing into the province of 
Cuttack, and forming a junction with the detachment at Balasore, 
when the state of the intermediate country, and the progress of the 
main division under lieutenant-colonel Harcourt, should favour that 
movement. This detachment was supported by a force of eight hun¬ 
dred sepoys and some artillery, assembled at Midnapore, which was af¬ 
terwards reinforced by about five hundred native volunteers, who left 
Fort William for that purpose towards the end of the month of Sep¬ 
tember. 

* Battering guns, &c. with captain Dick : 

Four eighteen-pounder iron guns—four twelve ditto—two five and a half inch howit¬ 
zers, with a due proportion of shells— 4000 eighteen-pounder shot— 4000 twelve-pounder 
ditto, with a quantity, of stores, materials, intrenching tools, 8tc, &e. 


The 


80 


1803. 



Abstract slate- * 
ment of the Bri- 
, tish troops as- : 
sembled for the ' 
invasion of the 
province of 
Cuttack. , i 


September 8.. 


The total number of troops assembled for the invasion of the pro¬ 
vince of Cuttack, therefore, amounted to 4916 men*: of this number 
3041 formed the main detachment, which was to advance from Ganjam 
under the command of lieutenant-colonel Harcourt, who was appointed 
to the general command of all the forces employed on this service; five 
hundred men were on their way under captain Dick to reinforce lieu¬ 
tenant-colonel Harcourt; five hundred and twenty-one (including 
twenty-one artillery men) under the command of captain Morgan, were 
destined to occupy Balasore; 854 were stationed at Jelasore, ready to 
advance whenever that movement might be deemed advisable; and 
1300 remained at Midnapore, to support the troops at Balasoie 
- and Jelasore, and to afford at the same time protection to the frontier 
; of the company’s territories against the incursions of any of the rajah 
of Berar’s predatory horse. 

On the 8th of September the troops under the command of lieu¬ 
tenant-colonel Campbell commenced their march from Gangam. On 

* Abstract of the force assembled for the invasion of the province of Cuttack, pnder the 
. command of lieutenant-colonel Harcourt: 

European infantry, - - 5 73 

Native infantry, - " 2408 

Native cavalry, - - - 60 

-3041 

With captain Dick, - - 300 

With captain Morgan, - - 321 

With lieutenant-colonel Fergusson: 

Sepoys, - " - 770 

Cavalry, - ~ " .84 

- 854 

Total actually assembled, - - 49-1-6 

At Midnapore, ■ - — - - 1300 

Total that might eventually have been employed 6216 

I the 


81 

tlie 11th of September lieutenant-colonel Harcourt arrived at Gangam, 
and took the command of the troops. Lieutenant-colonel Campbell, 
with the zeal and spirit which he has manifested on so many occasions, 
had endeavoured, notwithstanding his illness, to proceed with the 
troops from Ganjam, but had been carried back after one day’s march 
in a state which menaced his life for several weeks, and rendered him 
utterly unable to move with the expedition. 

On the 14th of September the British troops conducted by lieu¬ 
tenant-colonel Harcourt took possession of Manickpatam without any 
resistance on the part of the Marhattas, who fled on the approach of 
colonel Harcourt’s force. 

m 

From that station lieutenant-colonel Harcourt dispatched a letter to 
the principal bramins of the pagoda of Jaggernaut, encouraging them 
to place the pagoda under the protection of the British troops. 

On the 16th a favourable answer was received from the bramins, and 
a deputation was sent to the British camp to claim the protection which 
had been offered by lieutenant-colonel Harcourt; and *on the 18th the 
British troops encamped at Jaggernaut, which was immediately evacu¬ 
ated by the Marhatta forces. 

The inundated state of the country prevented the march of the 
British troops from Jaggernaut until the 24th of September. During 
the march from Jaggernaut to Cuttack the advanced corps of colonel 
Harcourt’s division were frequently engaged with parties of the enemy’s 
troops, who ivere always repulsed with loss.. Owing, however, to a 
very heavy fall of rain (which had rendered the roads impassable), and 
the consequent rise of the rivers which intervene between Jaggernaut 
and the town of Cuttack, lieutenant-colonel Harcourt’s progress was 
much retarded, and the British troops did not reach Cuttack until the 

m 10th 


1803. 



September 14. 
Manickpatam , 
taken, 


September 18. 
Pagoda of Jag¬ 
gernaut occu¬ 
pied. 


September 24 , 


82 


J803. 

October 10. 
Town of Cut¬ 
tack taken. 


Soorong taken 
on the 3d of 
October. 


10th of October, when the town was immediately taken possession 
of without opposition on the part of the enemy. 

The detachment under the command of captain Morgan landed at 
Balasore on the 21st of September, and succeeded in occupying that 
station after some resistance on the part of the enemy. On the 1st of 
October captain Morgan detached two companies of sepoys towards 
Soorong, a post twenty miles south of Balasore, which was then oc¬ 
cupied by the enemy. This detachment routed a party posted at a 
village a short distance on the north side of Soorong; and being after¬ 
wards reinforced by another company, took possession of Soorong on 
the 3d of October without further resistance. 

Lieutenant-colonel Fergusson, with the detachment under his com¬ 
mand, moved from jelasore on the 23d of September, and on the 4th 
of October arrived at Balasore without any opposition. On the 10th of 
that month lieutenant-colonel Fergusson marched from Balasore with a 
force* consisting of about 816 men, in consequence of orders from the 
governor general, directing that officer to proceed to the southward-for 
the purpose of forming a junction with the troops under the command 
of lieutenant-colonel Harcourt at Cuttack. During the whole of these 
transactions the inhabitants of the province of Cuttack afforded every 
assistance to the British troops on their march, and expressed the utmost 

* Detachment under lieutenant-colonel Fergusson, which marched from Balasore on the 


10th of October : 

European artillery, - - - - 20 

Native cavalry from the governor general’s body-guard, - 76 

2d battalion 7th native infantry, - - - 573 

5th native infantry, a detachment, - - - 147 

Total - 816 

With two field-pieces, two galloper guns, and fifty gun lascars. 


satisfaction 


S3 

satisfaction at the prospect of being soon placed under the protection 1803. 
of the British government. V '~ vW 


Lieutenant-colonel Harcourt had been actively employed in prepara¬ 
tions for the siege of the fort of Barabutty at Cuttack. This fort is of 
strength, and has only one entrance by a narrow bridge, leading over a 
wet ditch, twenty feet in depth, and varying in breadth, according to the 
situation of the bastions, from thirty-five to one hundred and thirty- 
five-feet. On the night of the 12th of October a spot was marked out 
for a battery to receive a twelve-pounder, distant about five hundred 
yards from the outer gate of the fort. This battery was completed on 
the night of the 13th, and the twelve-pounder placed in it, together 
with two howitzers and two six pounders, the whole of which opened 
their fire on the morning of the 14th. By eleven o’clock in the fore¬ 
noon of that day, most of the defences in the south face -of the fort 
(against which the fire was directed) were taken off, and the enemy’s 
guns silenced. Every thing seemed to promise success to an assault, 
and lieutenant-colonel Harcourt accordingly ordered lieutenant-colonel 
Clayton to storm the fort, and to advance with one six-pounder, a party 
of artillery-men, two hundred Europeans from his majesty’s 22d and 
the Madras European regiments, and four hundred sepoys from the 
20th Bengal, and the 9th and 19th regiments of Madras native in¬ 
fantry. The storming party in passing the bridge were exposed to a 
heavy but ill-directed fire of musquetry from the fort, and forty mi¬ 
nutes elapsed before they succeeded in blowing open the wicket (the re¬ 
maining part of the gate having been strengthened with thick masses 
of stone). Having accomplished this object, the storming party passed 
through the wicket singly ; and although they experienced considerable 
resistance in entering the fort and forcing two other gates, the British 
•troops were completely victorious, and obtained possession of the fort, 
which was immediately abandoned by the enemy, whose loss was con- 

m 2 siderable. 


Fort of Bara¬ 
butty taken by 
storm on the 
14th of Octo¬ 
ber. 


♦ 

* 




1803 . 



The detail of 
these opera¬ 
tions (together, 
■with the gen fe¬ 
ral orders is¬ 
sued on the oc¬ 
casion by the 
governor gene¬ 
ral) is contain¬ 
ed in Appendix 
D. 


sidcrable. In the course of the assault the storming 7 patty took four 
standards of colours, and manifested the same bravery and steadiness 
which has distinguished the conduct of the British armies, in every 
quarter of India, during the progress of the present campaign against 
Dowlut Rao Scindiah and the rajah of Berar. By the success of the 
British arms* in the province of Cuttack, the whole of that valuable 
province (which, exclusive of many other important advantages, is in¬ 
dispensably necessary to secure a free and uninterrupted communication 
between the supreme government of India arid the subordinate presi¬ 
dencies of Fort St. George and Bombay) has been annexed to the domi¬ 
nions of the honourable company. In consequence of the interruption 
of the communication between Ganjam and Fort William through 
Cuttack, in the course of the present campaign, after the commence¬ 
ment of the north-east monsoon, all correspondence between the go¬ 
vernor general, the governments of Fort St. George and Bombay, the 
honourable major-general Wellesley, and the residents at Poonah and 
Hyderabad, was absolutely suspended; and the governor general for se¬ 
veral days was entirely ignorant of the progress of events in those 
parts of India, during a crisis of affairs which, connected with the 
renewal of war with France, and the probability of hostilities with 
Holland, may be considered to be the most important which has ever 
occurred in India. 


Operations on 
the' north-^est 
frontier of 0 
Oude, under 
the personal di¬ 
rection and 
command of his 
excellency ge¬ 
neral Lake. 


The regular order of events has been interrupted for the purpose 
of bringing into one point of view all the transactions connected 
with the military operations against the main armies in the Dekan, 
under the personal command of Dowlut Rao Scindiah and of the 
rajah of Berar; and with the destruction of their resources and 
power in the Dekan, and in the provinces of Guzerat on the western 
and of Orissa on the eastern side of India. It will now be proper to 
revert to the transactions which have occurred on the north-west 

"frontier 


SB 

frontier of Oude, and. to exhibit the result of the operations which 
were entrusted to the personal direction and command of his excellency 
general Lake. 

Similar reasons to those which induced the governor general to 
grant full powers to major-general Wellesley, and eventually to lieu¬ 
tenant-general Stuart, required that a temporary authority should also 
be constituted in the vicinity of the north-west frontier of Oude, 
with full authority to conclude upon the spot whatever arrangements 
might become necessary for the purpose of accomplishing the plan of 
operations proposed by the governor general to be carried into execu¬ 
tion against Dowlut Rao Scindiah’s forces in that quarter of Hin- 
dostan. This power could not be exercised with propriety and 
advantage to the public service by any other person than the com¬ 
mander in chief; and the governor general determined therefore to 
vest, this important and difficult trust in the hands of general Lake. 
Accordingly the governor general, on the 27th of July 1803, em¬ 
powered the commander in chief to exercise the general direction and 
control of all political negotiations connected with the operations of 
his army; and, in a proclamation under date the 30th July 1803, 
was further pleased to order and command all civil servants, and 
military officers, subject to the authority of the presidency of Fort 
William, “ to pay an immediate and prompt obedience to all such 
tc requisitions or orders as they might receive from the commander in 
“ chief;” declaring at the same time, “ that such requisitions or 
“ orders would be considered as full and sufficient vouchers for any 
“ advance or disbursement of money which such requisitions or orders 
“ should authorise.” 

With a view to occupy a position favourable to the early commence¬ 
ment of military operations, in the event of hostilities with Scindiah, 

he 


1803. 



August 7. 
General Lake 
inarched from 
Cawnpore. 


86 


isos. the commander in chief, general Lake, marched from Cawnpore on 
the 7th of August, and reached the vicinity of Coel on the 28th’of 
the same month. 

On the 20th of August the commander in chief received a letter 
from colonel Collins, dated Camp near Julgong on the 1st of August, 
in which that officer states his intention to repair to Aurangabad 
without delay ; and adds, that he should have marched from Julgong 
on the morning of the 31st of July, had not the roads been ren¬ 
dered impassable by a very heavy and incessant fall of rain since the 
night of the 30th of July. The commander in chief also received, 
on the 26th of August, a dispatch from the governor general, dated 
on the 16th of August, authorising him to prosecute the most active 
operations against the forces of Scindiah, monsieur Perron, and their 
allies, unless the commander in chief should have received certain 
intelligence of the conclusion of pacific engagements between major- 
general Wellesley and Scindiah, or should have received from major- 
general Wellesley a direct expression of his desire that general Lake 
should not prosecute hostilities. 

On the receipt of colonel Collins’s letter of the 1st of August, 
general Lake was of opinion that the refusal of the confederated 
chieftains to comply with general Wellesley’s requisition amounted 
to a positive declaration of war, and conceived himself under these 
circumstances to be authorised (by the tenor of the governor general’s 
instructions, prior to the dispatch of the 16th of August) to com¬ 
mence hostilities without waiting for further advices from the Dekan. 
The justice of prosecuting immediate hostilities against Scindiah and 
the rajah of Berar was unquestionable ; and the letters of the gover¬ 
nor general to those chieftains, together with the declarations of 
colonel Collins, had distinctly apprised Scindiah and the rajah of 

Berar 


87 


Berar of the probable consequences of their further evasions of the 
just and reasonable propositions of the British government, “ that 
“ they should separate their armies , and relinquish their menacing position 
“ on the frontier of the nvzam s territories 

Under these circumstances, the commander in chief, by the direct 
order of the governor general above stated, on the 29th of August 
1803 moved into the Marhatta territories, with the intention of 
attacking monsieur Perron’s force, which had been assembled at a 
short distance from the fortress of Ally-Ghur. The army reached 
this point about seven o’clock in the morning of the 29th. The enemy 
immediately struck their tents, and the whole of their cavalry drew 
up on the plain close to the fort of Ally-Ghur. 

Monsieur Perron’s position was strong and favourable for repelling 
the attack of the British army. His front was completely covered 
by an extensive swamp, which in some parts is not fordable; the 
right flank was protected by the fort of Ally-Ghur; and his left 
derived considerable strength from the nature of the ground on that 
side, and from the position of some villages which were occupied 
by parties of his troops. Monsieur Perron’s force was estimated to 
amount to about fifteen thousand horse, of which from four to five 
thousand were regular cavalry. 

The commander in chief having determined to turn the left flank 
of monsieur Perron’s force, the British cavalry were formed into two 
lines, and advanced to the attack supported by the infantry in three 
and four lines, according as the confined nature of ground would 
permit. During the advance of the cavalry, the enemy kept up a 
smart fire of matchlocks from a village which the cavalry had to pass; 
and a large column of the enemy 5 s cavalry, headed by a regular 
2 corps 


1803. 



August 29. 
General Lake 
enters the 


Marhatta ter¬ 
ritories. 

Affair at Coel. 


Vide Plan No. 
3, in the Ap¬ 
pendix. 


88 


corps of horse, approached sufficiently near to enable the British 
cavalry to fire a few rounds from their galloper guns, which succeeded 
in forcing the enemy to retire. The excellent front displayed by the 
British cavalry, and the regular and determined advance of the whole 
army, so completely overawed monsieur Perron and his troops, that 
they retired as fast as the British troops advanced, and finally quitted 
the field without venturing to risk an engagement. 

Several attempts were made to charge the ~ enemy’s cavalry, but 
the rapidity of their retreat prevented the possibility of effecting 
this desirable object. The commander in chief was with the British 
cavalry the whole day, and charged in person at the head of the 27th 
dragoons. 

Although the early retreat of monsieur Perron’s force prevented 
the commander in chief from bringing him to a general engagement, 
the operations .of the 29th of August were attended with beneficial 
consequences, in establishing the superiority of our arms over the 
power of the enemy: monsieur Perron’s reputation received a pow- 
Vide Appendix erful shock from the events of that day ; and the defection of several 
D * of his confederates demonstrated at once their doubt of his power, 

and their conviction of our superiority. 

After the action the commander in chief took possession of the 
town of Coel, and the army encamped to the northward of it, between 
the town and the fort of Ally-Ghur. 

This fort is of singular strength: it has a broad and deep ditch*, 

* From one hundred to two hundred feet in breadth, and thirty-two feet in depth ; of 
which there are always ten feet of water. 

5 


Vide Plan No. 
4, in the Ap¬ 
pendix. 


1803. 



with 


89 


with a fine glads, and the country for a mile round is levelled, and 
completely exposed in every point to the fire of the fort. There is 
only one entrance, which is very intricate, and over a narrow cause¬ 
way, under which the enemy had commenced a mine, but had 
omitted to construct a drawbridge ; and thus our troops were enabled 
to pass the ditch on the causeway, and immediately to assail the body 
of the place. 

As soon as the army had taken up its ground near Coel, general 
Lake summoned monsieur Pedron, the commander of Ally-Ghur, to 
surrender the fort; but after several unsuccessful efforts to save the 
effusion of blood, and to persuade the garrison to evacuate the place, 
general Lake found himself compelled to adopt more decisive mea¬ 
sures, and determined to attempt to carry the fort by assault, rather 
than by the slower operations of a regular siege. 

In conformity to this resolution, the fort was stormed on the morn¬ 
ing of the 4th of September. The honourable lieutenant-colonel 
Monson commanded the storming party, consisting of a detachment 
of artillery with two twelve-pounders, four companies of his majesty’s 
76th regiment, the first battalion 4th regiment native infantry, four 
companies of the second battalion 17th regiment, reinforced after¬ 
wards by the second battalion 4th regiment native infantry. 

Lieutenant-colonel Monson conducted the attack with the utmost 
degree of gallantry, judgment, skill, and fortitude. The troops 
moved down to within six hundred yards of the sortie of the fort 
about three o’clock A. M. There was only one passage across the 
ditch into the fort, and this road was followed by lieutenant-colonel 
Monson. 

N • •, After 


1803. 



September 4. 
The fort of 
Ally-Ghur. 
taken by 

STORM. 

Vide Appendix 

D. 



90 


After waiting until the hour fixed for the assault (half past four 
o’clock), the storming party moved on (under cover of a heavy fire 
from the British batteries erected for the purpose), and arrived within 
one hundred yards of the fort before they were perceived: as soon, 
however, as colonel Monson saw that he was discovered, he endea¬ 
voured, by pushing on with the two flank companies of the 76th, to 
enter the fort along with the guard stationed outside of the gates, 
behind a strong breastwork which covered the entrance. The colonel 
succeeded in passing the breastwork, but found the first gate shut. 
Two ladders were immediately applied, on which major Macleod of 
the 76th regiment, with two grenadiers, attempted to mount; but 
they were forced to desist by a most formidable row of pikemen, 
who menaced every assailant with certain destruction. A twelve- 
pounder was then brought up ; but some time elapsed before it could 
be placed opposite the gate, which was situated in an inconvenient 
direction near the flank of a bastion. Four or five rounds were fired 
before any effect was produced on the gate; and during this interval, 
which lasted about twenty minutes, the storming party was exposed 
to a most severe and raking fire of grape and wall-pieces and match¬ 
locks. Our principal loss was sustained at this place. Colonel Mon¬ 
son was wounded here by a pike, discharged, it is thought, from a 
gun: at this spot were also killed the four grenadier officers and the 
adjutant of the 76th regiment, with lieutenant Turton of the 4th regi¬ 
ment native infantry. 

As soon as the first gate was blown open, the troops advanced in a 
circular direction (round a strong bastion of masonry, along a narrow 
road, and through two gateways, which were easily forced) to a fourth 
gateway leading into the body of the place; during which time they ■ 
were much annoyed by a heavy cross fire in every direction. It was a 
work of great difficulty before the twelve-pounder could be brought up, 

and 


91 


and when it arrived the gate was too strongly fastened to be forced. I 803 . 
Major Macleod, however, pushed through the wicket, and entered the 
fort; after which very little opposition ensued, and the fort was com¬ 
pletely carried. The general defence of this fort was very vigorous, 
and lasted for one hour ; and our loss was extremely severe. The 
French commandant, M. Pedron, was taken prisoner. As soon as the 
British troops had entered the body of the place, the garrison endea¬ 
voured to escape in every direction: many jumped into the ditch, 
others were drowned. About two thousand were killed; some sur¬ 
rendered, and were permitted to quit the fort by the commander in 
chief, who was close to the fort observing the result of his bold and 
well-planned attack. 

A large quantity of stores and ordnance was found in the fort, 
with some tumbrils of money, which the storming party divided on 
the spot. 

The fall of the fort of Ally-Ghur was attended with the acqui¬ 
sition of most of the military stores belonging to the French party. 

This was the place of residence of monsieur Perron, and it was the 
grand depot of his military stores. 

The necessary arrangements for the security of the fort of Ally- 
Ghur and for the march of the army having been completed on 
the 7th of September, the commander in chief moved on that day to¬ 
wards Delhi. A battalion of sepoys was left in Ally-Ghur, and a 
drawbridge applied to the gateway : the place may now be considered 
as impregnable to any native power. 

On the 7th of September the commander in chief received a letter September r, 

r t M. Perron so* 

under date the 5th of September from monsieur Perron, informing 

-jsj 2 the British govera- 


92 


1803. the commander in chief that he had resigned the service of Dowlut 
; Rao Scindiah, and requesting permission to pass with his family, pro¬ 
perty, and the officers of his suite, to Lucknow, through the territory 
of the honourable company and of the Nawaub vizier. Monsieur 
Perron also applied to the commander*in chief for a sufficient escort, to 
be composed either of British troops or his own body guard. Gene¬ 
ral Lake immediately complied with monsieur Perron’s request, and 
permitted monsieur Perron to proceed through , the British territories 
attended by a British officer, who had been appointed to meet mon¬ 
sieur Perron on the frontier, and to conduct him to Lucknow. Ge¬ 
neral Lake also permitted monsieur Perron to be escorted by his own 
body guard, and provided for the reception of monsieur Perron in the 
company’s territories and those of the Nawaub vizier with every mark 
of respect and honour. 

On the 8th of September the army reached Koorjah, a fort of some 
strength, about thirty miles distant from Ally-Ghur, which had been 
7 7 evacuated by the garrison on receiving the intelligence of the fall of that 

fortress. It is also probable that the capture of Ally-Ghur was one of 
the causes of M. Perron’s determination to solicit the protection of the 
British government. M. Perron, however, stated that his reason for 
retiring proceeded from his having received intelligence that his suc¬ 
cessor had been appointed, and was actually on his way to take posses¬ 
sion of his new charge. M. Perron also observed, that the treachery and 
ingratitude of his European officers convinced him that further resist¬ 
ance to the British arms was useless. 


September 8. 
Fort of Koor¬ 
jah abandoned 


About this period the commander in chief received intelligence of 
the surrender to the enemy of a detachment of five companies of sepoys 
with one gun, under the command of lieutenant-colonel Coningham at 
Shekoabad. This small body of troops was attacked on the 2d of 
September by a numerous detachment of cavalry under the command 

4 . of 


93 


of a Frenchman named Fleury, and succeeded in compelling the enemy 1S03 * 
to retreat; but being again attacked on the 4th of September by the 

r j i • i i j • . . 7 , September 4. 

same superior force, and haying nearly expended its ammunition, the 
party of British troops capitulated to the enemy. On receipt of this 
intelligence, the commander in chief immediately detached one regi¬ 
ment of European and two regiments of native cavalry, under colonel 
Macan, to join colonel Vandeleur, who was in the neighbourhood of 
Futty-Ghur, with the 8 th regiment light dragoons and a detach¬ 
ment of infantry with a convoy for the army. The 2d brigade of 
infantry under colonel Clarke was also ordered to reinforce colonel 
Vandeleur’s detachment; but before these two parties could arrive at 
the place of their destination, the enemy recrossed the Jumna with 
great precipitation, and afterwards dispersed. Colonel Macan’s de¬ 
tachment reached the fort of Firozeabad on the 7th of September, September 7 . 
which the enemy immediately abandoned, leaving behind them nine Sad aban™ z<5 " 
guns, and several of the enemy’s troops, who had been wounded in the enem^. by th<? 
late affair of Shekoabad. This is the only predatory incursion which 
the enemy has attempted upon the company’s frontiers. 

The army under general Lake reached Secundra on the 9th of 
September. On the morning of the 10th the commander in chief 
made a short march to the west of Secundra, and on the 11th a march 
of eighteen miles beyond Soorajepoor. During the march, intelligence 
was received that monsieur Louis Bourquien had crossed the Jumna 
in the night, with sixteen battalions of regular infantry, six thousand 
cavalry, and a considerable train of ordnance, for the purpose of at¬ 
tacking the commander in chief. 

c 

The British army reached its ground of encampment near the Jehnah September n„ 
Nullah (about six miles from Delhi) at eleven o’clock. The troops deILT °‘ 
were much fatigued with the length of the march, and the heat of the 
weather; and the tents were scarcely pitched when the enemy appeared 

in 


94 

in such force in front as to oblige the grand guard and advanced 
picquets to turn out. The number of the enemy continuing to increase, 
the commander in chief proceeded in per'son to reconnoitre them with 
the whole of the cavalry (three regiments), and found the enemy drawn 
up on rising ground in order of battle, and in full force. Their 
position was strong, each flank being covered by a swamp, beyond 
which was posted the cavalry. Their numerous artillery covered their 
front, which was further protected by a line of intrenchments; their 
front was the only direction in which the enemy could be attacked. 
As the British cavalry approached, the enemy began a very heavy 
cannonade. 

As soon as the commander in chief had reconnoitred the enemy’s 
position, orders were sent to camp for the infantry and artillery to join 
the cavalry. The line was ordered to fall in without delay, and move 
to the front by columns of grand divisions from each battalion. The 
camp was left standing; the advanced picquets, increased by a part 
of the nth regiment native infantry, were brought in for its protection. 
The whole of the British troops who were engaged in this memorable 
action were his majesty’s 76th regiment, seven battalions of sepoys, the 
artillery, the 27th dragoons, and two regiments of native cavalry, and 
amounted in number to about four thousand five hundred men. The 
number of the enemy amounted to about thirteen thousand infantry, 
and six thousand cavalry; in all nineteen thousand men. 

Notwithstanding the alacrity and expedition with which the British 
troops got under arms, one hour elapsed before the infantry could join 
the cavalry, which had advahced about two miles in front, and was 
exposed to a severe and well-directed cannonade, which occasioned a 
considerable loss of men and horses. During this interval the com¬ 
mander in chief’s horse was shot under him. 


1 


Finding 


95 


Finding that it would be difficult to defeat the enemy in their 
actual position, general Lake determined to make a feint, by which 
the enemy should be induced to quit their intrenchments, and to ad¬ 
vance on the plain. With this view the British cavalry was ordered to 
retire, both for the purpose of drawing the enemy from his strong po¬ 
sition and of covering the advance of the British infantry: this retro¬ 
grade movement was performed with the greatest order and steadiness, 
until the British infantry had effected their junction with the cavalry ; 
when the cavalry immediately opened from the centre, and allowed the 
infantry to pass on in front. 

As soon as the cavalry began to retire, the enemy, conceiving this 
movement to be a real retreat, immediately quitted their strong posi¬ 
tion, and advanced with the whole of their guns, shouting, and exhi¬ 
biting every demonstration of perfect confidence in superior prowess. 
They halted, however,on seeing the British infantry, who were instant! v - 
formed into one line, with the cavalry in a second line, about forty 
yards in the rear of the right wing of the infantry. The whole of the 
British force then advanced towards the enemy, the commander in 
chief in person leading his majesty’s 76th regiment. Notwithstanding 
a tremendous fire of round, grape, and chain shot, the troops led by 
general Lake advanced with the greatest bravery and steadiness, and 
without taking their musquets from their shoulders, until they had 
reached within a hundred paces of the enemy, when the enemy com¬ 
menced a heavy fire of grape from all their artillery. Orders were 
instantly given to charge the enemy with bayonets: the whole British 
line fired a volley, and, with their illustrious commander in chief at 
their head, rushed on with such impetuosity, that the enemy gave way 
and fled in every direction. As soon as the British troops halted after 
the charge, general Lake, with his accustomed judgment, ordered the 
line to break into columns of companies; which manoeuvre being 
effected, the British cavalry (European and native) charged through the 

intervals 


96 


1803. 



The official de¬ 
tails of the bat¬ 
tle of Delhi, 


and the general 
orders issued 
on this occasion 
are contained 
in Appendix D. 


intervals with their galloper guns, and completed the victory by pur¬ 
suing the enemy to the banks of the Jumna, and driving vast numbers 
into the middle of the river. The galloper guns attached to the cavalry 
were opened with considerable effect upon the fugitives in this situ¬ 
ation. The commander in chief headed in person the 76th regiment, 
which exhibited under such a glorious example the most eminent 
proofs of valour and discipline. 

While these operations took place to the right, under the immediate 
direction of the commander in chief, the left wing under major-general 
St. John attacked the enemy with great vigour, and the success of the 
British arms was complete in every point. The enemy left the whole 
of their artillery, sixty-eight pieces of ordnance, and thirty-seven tum¬ 
brils laden with ammunition, in our possession; twenty-four tumbrils 
laden with ammunition were blown up in the field of battle; exclusive 
of which, many tumbrils and ammunition carriages were left by the 
enemy in the Jumna, and in the Jehnah Nullah. Two tumbrils con¬ 
taining treasure were also taken on the field of battle. 

The loss of the enemy was very considerable, and has been esti¬ 
mated to have amounted to three thousand men. The exertions of 
the British army were proportionate to the brilliant result of this glo¬ 
rious victory, and the whole army, with the commander in chief, was 
under arms for seventeen hours. After the action, the army took up 
fresh ground nearer the river. 

The battle was fought within view of the minarets of Delhi, and 
the whole army encamped the next day close to the Jumna river, op¬ 
posite to that city. The unfortunate emperor Shah Aulum sent to 
general Lake immediately after the action, to express his anxious desire 
to place his person and authority under the protection of the vic¬ 
torious arms of the British government. 

On 


97 


On the 14th of September the army began to cross the Jumna; and 
on the same day monsieur Bourquien, who commanded the forces of 
the enemy in the late action of the 11th of September, together with 
four other French officers, surrendered themselves as prisoners to ge¬ 
neral Lake. 

His excellency the commander in chief had the honour to pay his 
first visit to his majesty Shah Aulum on the 16th of September; and 
to congratulate his majesty on his emancipation from the control of 
the French faction which had so long oppressed and degraded him. 


1803 ; 



September 
14th, monsieur 
Bourquien and 
four French 
officers surren¬ 
der themselves 
prisoners to 
general Lake. 
Vide Appen¬ 
dix D. 
September 
16th, the 
Commander 
in Chief visits 
the emperor 
Shau Aulum. 


From the commander in chief’s dispatches, and such accounts as 
have been received from private sources of intelligence, it appears that 
his majesty was graciously pleased to direct his eldest son and heir-ap¬ 
parent, the prince Mirza Akbar Shah, to conduct the commander in* 
chief to his royal presence. The prince was to have arrived at the 
commander in chief’s tent at twelve o’clock, but did not reach the 
British camp until half past three o’clock P. M.: by the time his royal 
highness had been received, remounted on his elephant, and the whole 
cavalcade formed, it was half past four o’clock. The distance being 
five miles, the commander in chief did not reach the palace at Delhi 
until sunset. The crowd in the city was extraordinary; and it was 
with some difficulty that the cavalcade could make its way to the pa¬ 
lace. The courts of the palace were full of people, anxious to witness 
the deliverance of their sovereign from a state of degradation and 
bondage. At length the commander in chief was ushered into the 
royal presence, and found the unfortunate and venerable emperor— 
oppressed by the accumulated calamities of old age, degraded authority, 
extreme poverty, and loss of sight—seated under a small tattered ca¬ 
nopy, the remnant of his royal state, with every external appearance of 
the misery of his condition. 


o 


It 


It is impossible to describe the impression which general Lake’s con¬ 
duct on this interesting occasion has made on the minds of the inha¬ 
bitants of Delhi, and of all the mussulmans who have had an opportu¬ 
nity of being made acquainted with the occurrences of the 16th of 
September 1803. In the metaphorical language of Asia, the native 
news-writers, who describe this extraordinary scene, have declared that 
his majesty Shah Aulum recovered his sight from excess of joy. In 
addition to many other marks of royal favour and condescension, the 
emperor was graciously pleased to confer on general Lake the second 
title in the empire*. 

The result of the spirited and judicious operations at Coel on the 
29th of August, of the gallant assault of Ally-Ghur on the 4th, and 
of the glorious battle of Delhi on the 11th of September, deeply affected 
the French influence and authority, and secured to the British power 
the possession of the doab of the Ganges and Jumna. 

_ r “ . ^ . tS ' 

The French officers, deprived of authority, and finding themselves 
the objects of just indignation to the country which they had governed, 
were compelled to solicit the protection of the British government, 
while the conquered country (rejoicing in the change of masters, and 
deeply impressed with a just sense of the humane conduct and orderly 
behaviour of the British troops, of the protection offered by general 
Lake to the persons and property of the inhabitants, and of the mild 
treatment which the British government extends to all its subjects) 
regarded the British troops as friends and deliverers. 

. * The Persian titles conferred on general Lake are, Swnsam u dowlah ashghah ul 
mulk , khan dowran khan , general Gerard Lake hahadur, futteh jung ; signifying in Eng¬ 
lish, (C The sword of the state , the hero of the land , the lord of the age , and the victorious in 
war” 


99 


These important victories rescued the unfortunate emperor Shah 
Aulum from the power of his oppressors. By the success of our arms 
interesting purposes of humanity were accomplished; and so far as 
this object is regarded in a political point of view, his majesty Shah 
Aulum being placed under the protection of the British government, 
no other power can now avail itself of the weight and influence which 
the emperor’s name must ever possess amongst the mussulman inha¬ 
bitants of Hindostan. 


1803. 



The attention of the governor general is now directed to the forma¬ 
tion of a permanent arrangement for the future maintenance of the 
dignity and comfort of his imperial majesty, and of the royal family, 
on principles calculated to provide for those desirable objects with the 
utmost benefit to the reputation of British justice and liberality; and 
to secure the important advantages to be derived from the connexion, 
which will now be renewed upon permanent principles, between the 
royal house of Timur and the. British power in India. The governor 
general has also given directions to provide for the nobility and the great 
officers of state at Delhi, (whose fortunes have been destroyed by the 
successful usurpation of Scindiah and of the French adventurers,) on 
principles similar to those which in the year 1799, after the fall of the 
fortress of Seringapatam, induced the governor general to make a 
liberal and permanent provision for the principal officers and nobility 
of Tippoo Sultaun. 


Having made the necessary arrangements for his march from Delhi, September 24 . 
the commander in chief moved from that city towards Agra on the 24th nemi l ^ ;<j- 
of September: lieutenant-colonel Ochterlony, deputy adjutant-general 
of the honourable company’s army, was stationed at Delhi to attend 
the person and receive the commands of the emperor Shah Aulum. A 
garrison was also left at, Delhi, consisting of one battalion and four 
companies of native infantry, together with a corps of mewatties, then 

o 2 raising 


1803. 



« i 


September SO. 
Monsieur Du- 
deimaigue and 
two other offi¬ 
cers in Scin- 
diah’s service 
surrender to 
colonel Vande- 
leur. 


Operations in 
Bundelcund in 
September. 



100 

falsing under the command of British officers who had Been in the 
service of Scindiah; and who, on the commencement of hostilities • 
with that chieftain, quitted his service, and joined the army under ge¬ 
neral Lake. 

On the 30th of September monsieur Dudernaigue, and two other 
officers in Scindiali’s service, who had had been detached with some 
regular battalions by Scindiah, in the month of July, from the Dekan, 
for the purpose of reinforcing monsieur Perron’s army in Hindostan, 
surrendered themselves prisoners to colonel Vandeleur, who, with the 
detachment* under his command, had occupied the city of Muttra, on 
the right bank of the- Jumna, in which was established one of mon¬ 
sieur Perron’s principal founderies of cannon. 

During^ these transactions the detachment of British troops, assem¬ 
bled under the command of lieutenant-colonel Powell, of the Bengal 
establishment, near Allahabad, for the purpose of co-operating with a 
force under the command of Himmut Bahadur, (one of his highness 
the peishwah’s principal officers in Bundelcund,) in the occupation of 
that province, crossed the Jumna on the 6th of September 1803, and 
entered the province of Bundelcund: on the 15th of September lieu¬ 
tenant-colonel Powell was joined by rajah Himmut Bahadur with his 
forcesf, amounting to about 13 or 14,000 men. 

The united detachments arrived on the bank of the river CaneJ 
on the 23d of September, and found the troops of Shumshere Ba- 

* His. majesty’s 8th and 29th dragoons, the 1st and 4th native cavalry, three battalions 
and five companies of native infantry. 

f About 4000 house, 8000 irregular infantry, three regular battalions under the com¬ 
mand of an European officer, and twenty-five pieces of ordnance of different calibres. 

% This river joins the Jumna, a little below the town of Corah; and runs nearly in a 
north and south direction by the fort of Callinger through the province of Bundelcund. 

' hadur 


101 


hadur* encamped on the opposite bank of the river in considerable iao 3 . 
strength. 

Having reduced several forts in the vicinity of his camp, and having 
established the British authority in the territory lying between the 
Jumna and the Cane, lieutenant-colonel Powell, accompanied by Him- 
mut Bahadur, crossed the latter river on the 10th of October; and on 
the 12th of the same month engaged Shumshere Bahadurf, in which 
action that chieftain was compelled to retreat with loss. Accounts 
have since been received that Shumshere Bahadur has crossed the river 
BetwahJ, and was retiring from the province of Bundelcund. 

The army under general Lake arrived at Muttra on the 2d of Oc- October 2. 
tober. Having formed a junction with colonel Vandeleur’s detach- arSwat 
ment, the commander in chief moved on to the fortress of Agra, which 
place the army reached at about two P. M. on the 4th of October. A 
summons was immediately sent to the garrison, but no answer was re¬ 
turned to general Lake. It appears that all the European officers in 
the fort had been placed in confinement, and that considerable confu¬ 
sion prevailed within the fort. 

* Shumshere Bahadur is the son of Aly Bahadur; which Aly Bahadur was the son 
of the first Shumshere Bahadur, the natural son of Bajee Rao, the first peishwah. Aly 
Bahadur conquered a great part of the province of Bundelcund from the Bundela rajah in 
the name of the peishwah. Although he was in fact one of the peishwah’s officers, he 
availed himself of the weakness of the state of Poonah, and of his distance from that 
government, to render himself nearly independent of the peishwah’s authority. 

f This action is detailed in lieutenant-colonel Powell’s official dispatch to the adjutant- 
general, dated Camp at Capsah, 12th October, a printed copy of which is annexed to 
these Notes. 

X The river Betwah joins the Jumna a little below Calpy, and running in a south-west 
direction touches the western extremity of the province of Bundelcund, near the town of 
Behut, in about 25. north latitude and 78 east longitude. 


1 



October 13. 
Shbmshere Ba¬ 
hadur defeated. 


Seven 


1803. 



October 10. 
Town of Agra 
taken by- 
assault. 


102 

Seven battalions of the enemy’s regular infantry, with several guns, 
were encamped on the outside of the fort, and occupied the town and 
principal mosque of Agra, as well as some ravines which led through 
broken ground from the British camp on the south side of the fort to 
the ditch and to the Delhi gateway. Finding it impossible to make 
approaches against the fort of Agra as long as these battalions main¬ 
tained their position to the south and south-west of the fort, general 
Lake determined to occupy the ravines, and to dislodge the enemy from 
the town. 

With this view, on the morning of the 10th of October, colonel 
Clarke, who was encamped in the rear of the town, was directed to 
take possession of it with his brigade of sepoys, at the same time that 
three battalions of sepoys, under the command of lieutenant-colonel 
Mac Culloch, major Haldane, and captain Worsley, advanced to oc- 
cupy the ravines. The attacks succeeded completely : after a long and 
severe contest the enemy evacuated the town and retired, some into the 
principal mosque and others to the ditch near the gateway, under cover 
of the guns of the fort. The attack on the ravines was equally suc¬ 
cessful ; but owing to the high spirit and bravery of the officers and 
men of the native battalions, who quitted the ravines and gained the 
glacis for the purpose of seizing the enemy’s guns, the British batta¬ 
lions employed on this attack were exposed to a heavy fire of grape and 
matchlocks from the fort, and suffered a severe loss in. men and offi¬ 
cers. The enemy were entirely defeated with the loss of six hundred 
men; and the British troops captured twenty-six guns with several tum¬ 
brils. The remainder of the enemy’s battalions, amounting to about two 
thousand five hundred men, afterwards agreed to surrender to general 
Lake, and marched into the British camp on the morning of the 13th 
of October. 

The 


103 


The commander in chief’s official details of this gallant action, and 
of the surrender of the enemy’s battalions on the 13th of October, 
are contained in the Appendix to these Notes. 

On the evening of the 13th of October the garrison of the fort so¬ 
licited a cessation of hostilities, for the purpose of negotiating the 
terms of capitulation; and dispatched an European officer to the Bri¬ 
tish camp, with a letter signed by the principal native officers in the 
fort, stating the conditions on which they were disposed to surrender. 
The commander in chief immediately dispatched a British officer into 
the fort, for the purpose of finally adjusting the terms of the capitula¬ 
tion ; but while that officer was actually engaged in the negotiation, 
the firing from the fort recommenced, and the British officer returned 
to camp. In consequence of this treacherous act the breaching batte¬ 
ries of the British army opened on the morning of the 17 th, within three 
hundred and fifty yards from the fort. Considerable impression was 
made on the walls of the fort by the fire of the batteries, (which would 
soon have effected a practicable breach,) and the fort capitulated on the 
night of the 17th. The garrison, consisting of about five thousand 
men, marched out at noon on the following day ; when the place was 
immediately occupied by the British troops under the command of 
colonel Mac Donald. A large quantity of stores and many guns were 
found in the fortress of Agra, together with several money-tumbrils, 
containing twenty-four lacs of rupees. 

The capture of this fortress, and of the important posts of Delhi 
and Muttra, secures the navigation* of the river Jumna, and the pos¬ 
session of a considerable tract of country on the right bank of -that 
river. The independent chieftains in that quarter are favourably dis¬ 
posed to the British government: with several of the most powerful 
of these chieftains the commander in chief has, in conformity to the. 

2 governor 


1803. 



October 17 . 
Capitulation 
of the fort of 
AgSa. 

Vide Appendix 
D. 


104 


1603. 



From the 29th 
of August, the 
day of the af¬ 
fair at Coel, to 
the 17th of 
October, the 
day of the fall 
of Agra. 


October 27- 
Army march 
from Agra. 




governor general’s instructions, already concluded treaties, by which 
their alliance and co-operation are effectually secured. 

The intelligence of the happy termination of this branch of the 
brilliant campaign on the north-west frontier of Oude, was received at 
Fort William with sentiments of joy and admiration proportionate to 
the public sense of the bravery, spirit, activity, and eminent talents 
manifested by general Lake, as well as of the valour, discipline, and 
persevering courage of the officers and men of the gallant army, 
which, under his personal command, and imitating his illustrious ex¬ 
ample, had accomplished with unexampled rapidity all the important 
services prescribed in the governor general’s comprehensive plan of 
operations for this branch of the campaign. 

The British army marched from Agra on the 27th of October in 
pursuit of a force of the enemy, composed of fifteen of monsieur 
Perron’s regular battalions, (which had been detached by Scindiah 
from the Dekan in the early part of the campaign, under the com¬ 
mand of monsieur Dudernaigue,) and of two battalions which had 
effected their escape from Delhi after the battle of the 11th of Septem¬ 
ber. During the siege of Agra this force occupied a position about 
thirty miles in the rear of the British army, but made no attempt to 
interrupt the siege of that important fortress. The commander in 
chief was anxious to defeat this force, because it was furnished with a 
numerous artillery, and because its object was to proceed towards 
Delhi for the purpose of attempting the recovery of that important 
post. The existence of so large a force of the enemy in Hindostan 
alarmed those native chieftains who were disposed to unite with the 
British government, and encouraged all those who might be adverse 
to our interests. , 

A heavy 


105 


A heavy fall of rain compelled the army to halt on the 28th at 
Kerowly: on the 29tli of October the army marched to the north¬ 
west of Futtypore Sikree. On the 30th the army made a march of 
twenty miles, leaving the heavy guns and baggage in Futtypore under 
the protection of two battalions of native infantry from the 4th 
brigade. 

On the 31st of October the army marched twenty miles, and en¬ 
camped a short distance from the ground which die enemy had quit¬ 
ted the same morning. Possessed of this intelligence, the comman¬ 
der in chief determined to make an effort to overtake the enemy 
with all the cavalry of the army, intending to delay the enemy by 
a light engagement until the British infantry should be able to effect 
a junction with the cavalry in advance, and to take advantage of any 
confusion which might be occasioned by this attack to seize the 
enemy’s guns and baggage. With this view the commander in chief 
with the whole of the cavalry marched at twelve o’clock on the night 
of the 31st of October, and, having performed a march of twenty-five 
miles in little more than six hours, came up with the enemy about 
seven o’clock on the morning of the 1st of November. The enemy’s 
force amounted to seventeen regular battalions of infantry, (about 
nine thousand men,) seventy-two guns, and from four to five thou¬ 
sand cavalry. Previously to the march of the British cavalry, 
orders were given for die infantry to follow at three o’clock in the 
morning. 

When the commander in chief at the head of the cavalry reached 
the enemy, they appeared to be on their retreat, and in such confusion, 
that the commander in chief was induced to try the effect of an attack 
with the cavalry alone, without waiting the arrival of the infantry. 
By cutting the embankment of a large reservoir of water, the enemy 
had rendered the road difficult to pass, and had availed themselves of 
this circumstance (which caused a considerable delay in the advance 

p of 


1803. 



October 2S. 
At Kerowly. 
October 29. 
Heavy guns 
and baggage 
left at Futty¬ 
pore Sikree. 


October Si. 


November 1. 
Battle of 
Laswaree. 


106 


1803. 


of the cavalry) to occupy an advantageous position, having their right 
in front of the village of Laswaree and thrown back upon a rivulet (the 
banks of which were very high and difficult of access), their left upon 
the village of Mohaulpoor, and their whole front concealed by high 
grass and protected by a powerful line of artillery. A cloud of dust, 
which had been raised by the movements of the cavalry, completely 
obscured the enemy, and prevented the commander in chief from 
discovering this change in their position : general Lake therefore pro¬ 
ceeded in the execution of his original plan, (by which he hoped to 
prevent'the retreat of the enemy and to secure their guns,) and di¬ 
rected the advanced guard and the first brigade r of cavalry to move 
upon the point where the enemy had been observed in motion, but 
which proved to be the left of their new position. The remainder of 
the cavalry was ordered to attack in succession as soon as they could 
form, after passing the rivulet. 

The charge of the advanced guard under major Griffiths of his ma¬ 
jesty’s 29th dragoons (aide-de-camp to the governor general), and of 
the first brigade led by colonel Vandeleur of his majesty’s 8th dra¬ 
goons, was made with much gallantry. The enemy’s line was forced, 
and the Cavalry penetrated into the village, and took possession of seve¬ 
ral of the enemy’s guns. The attacks of the brigades of cavalry, and 
particularly of the third brigade under colonel Macan, were conducted 
with the same spirit and with equal success. The fire, however, from 
other guns which the enemy still maintained, was so galling and de¬ 
structive, that it was found necessary to withdraw the cavalry out 
of reach of the enemy’s fire. The British cavalry retired in per¬ 
fect order, retaining possession of a part of the enemy’s artillery. Se¬ 
veral guns, however, which had been captured by the British cavalry, 
were abandoned from a want of draft bullocks. 

Colonel Vandeleur, who had manifested the greatest skill, judgment, 
and gallantry, was killed in this charge. During his command of the 

detachment, 


107 


detachment, which had been formed in the month of September 1803 
for the protection of the doab of the Ganges and Jumna, this brave 
and accomplished officer displayed considerable zeal and ability, and 
by his judicious movements compelled the enemy to make a preci¬ 
pitate retreat from the British territories. His death was universally 
deplored, >and may justly be deemed a public loss. 

The British infantry, having marched at three o’clock in the morn¬ 
ing, arrived upon the banks of the rivulet about twelve o’clock at 
noon. After so long a march (twenty-five miles), it was absolutely 
necessary to allow some time for the men to refresh themselves; du¬ 
ring which the enemy sent a message to the commander in chief, 
offering on certain conditions to surrender their guns. Anxious to 
prevent the further effusion of' blood, the commander in chief di¬ 
rected a letter to be wricten, acquiescing in their proposals, and allow¬ 
ing the enemy one hour to fulfil the conditions of surrender proposed 
by themselves. 

In the mean while the necessary arrangements were adopted for a 
general attack on the enemy as soon as the prescribed time should 
elapse. The British infantry was formed into two columns on the 
left: the first, composed of the right wing,under major-general Ware, 
was destined to assault the village of Mohaulpoor, and to turn the 
enemy’s right flank, which since the morning had been thrown back, 
leaving a considerable space between it and the rivulet. The enemy 
had formed their infantry into two lines, with their right thrown 
back, the first line to the eastward and covering the village of Mo¬ 
haulpoor, and the second to the westward of that village. Their ca¬ 
valry was to the right of their position. The second column of Bri¬ 
tish infantry, composed of the left wing, under major-general St. John, 
was ordered to support the first column. The 3d brigade of cavalry 
under colonel Macan was directed to support the infantry; lieutenant- 

p 2 colonel 


108 


colonel J. Vandeleur with the 2d brigade of cavalry was detached to 
the right of the British army to watch the enemy’s left, to avail him¬ 
self of any confusion of the enemy’s line, and to attack them upon 
their retreat. The 1st brigade of cavalry under lieutenant-colonel 
Gordon (who succeeded to the command on the death of colonel \ an- 
deleur) composed the reserve, and was formed between the 2d and 3d 
brigades. As many of the field-pieces of the British army as could be 
brought up, together with the galloper guns attached to the ca¬ 
valry, formed four different batteries to support the attack of the 
infantry. 

At the expiration of the time which general Lake had allowed the 
* enemy to determine on a surrender of their guns, no reply having been 
received from the enemy, the British infantry advanced to the attack, 
moving along the bank of the rivulet through high grass, and broken 
ground, which afforded cover. As soon as the British infantry became 
exposed to the enemy’s guns, the four British batteries commenced 
their fire, and continued to advance, notwithstanding the superiority 
of the enemy’s artillery both in number and weight of metal. The 
cannonade on both sides was extremely severe, and maintained with 
great spirit and vigour. The enemy’s artillery was exceedingly well 
served, and they threw grape from large mortars, as well as from guns 
of a very heavy calibre. 

When the 76th regiment, which headed the attack, had arrived 
within one hundred and fifty paces of the enemy, they were so much 
exposed to the enemy’s fire, and were losing men so fast, that the com¬ 
mander in chief judged it preferable to proceed to the attack with that 
regiment, and as many of the native infantry (the 2d battalion of the 
12th, and five companies of the 16th) as had closed to the front, rather 
than to wait until the remainder of the column, which had been much 
impeded in its advance, should be able to form. 


As 


109 


As soon as this small body of brave men arrived within reach of 
the enemy’s cannister shot, a most tremendous fire opened from the 
enemy’s artillery. The loss sustained by the British troops was very 
severe, and the heavy cannonade from the enemy’s line w-as sufficient 
alone to prevent a regular advance : at this moment the enemy’s ca¬ 
valry also attempted to charge, but was repulsed by the fire of this 
gallant body of British infantry: the enemy’s cavalry however ral¬ 
lied at a short distance, and assumed so menacing a posture, that 
the commander in chief ordered an attack from the British cavalry. 
Major Griffiths having at that instant been unfortunately killed by 
a cannon shot, this service was performed by his majesty’s 29th 
dragoons under captain Wade, with the greatest gallantry and suc¬ 
cess, and in a manner highly honourable to every officer and trooper 
in that regiment. The remainder of the first column of the British 
infantry arrived in time to join in the attack of the enemy’s reserve, 
which was formed in the rear of their first line, with its left upon the 
village of Mohaulpoor, and its right thrown back. 

About this time major-general Ware fell dead by a cannon shot. 
He was a gallant officer, and his loss was deeply lamented. On his 
death the command of this column devolved upon colonel Macdonald, 
who, though wounded, continued to conduct himself in this impor¬ 
tant command in a manner which was highly satisfactory to the com¬ 
mander in chief. 

The enemy opposed a vigorous resistance to the last, and did not 
abandon their position until they had lost all their guns. Even then 
their left wing attempted to retreat in good order, but was frustrated 
by his majesty’s 29th regiment of dragoons, and the 6th regiment of 
native cavalry under the command of lieutenant-colonel John Vande- 
leur, of the 8th light dragoons, who broke in upon the enemy’s column, 

4 cut 


1803. 


110 


cut several to pieces, and drove the rest in prisoners, with the whole of 
the enemy’s baggage. 

The loss which the British troops sustained in the achievement of 
this complete victory was severe. 

Two thousand of the enemy were taken prisoners, and there is every 
reason to. believe that the remainder of the enemy was destroyed on the 
field of battle. 

The enemy left in the possession of the British troops the whole of 
their bazars, camp equipage and baggage, with a considerable number 
of elephants, camels, and upwards of 1600 bullocks; seventy-two 
pieces of cannon of different calibres, forty-four stands of colours, and 
sixty-four tumbrils completely laden with ammunition. Three tumbrils 
with money were also captured, together with fifty-seven carts laden 
with matchlocks, musquets and stores, and some artificers’ carts. Several 
tumbrils with ammunition were blown up during the action, and five 
thousand stand of arms which had been thrown down by the enemy 
were found in the field of battle. The whole of the ordnance taken, 
with the exception of eight guns, was in excellent order, and perfectly 
serviceable, and all the appointments of the enemy’s corps were of the 
first quality. 

The enemy displayed the most determined obstinacy, and called forth 
the utmost exertions of the steadiness and valour of the gallant 76th re¬ 
giment, supported by the remainder of the infantry of the first column, 
and the repeated charges of the cavalry. The resistance opposed by the 
enemy was more determined than any opposition which the army 
under general Lake had experienced since the commencement of the 
campaign. His majesty’s 76th regiment on this memorable day main- 
1 ' ' tabled 


Ill 


tamed the high reputation which it had acquired on many former oc¬ 
casions, but especially in every occurrence of this glorious campaign. 

The victory however must be principally attributed to the admirable 
skill, judgment, heroic valour and activity of the commander in chief, 
general Lake, whose magnanimous example, together with the recol¬ 
lection of his achievements at Coel, Ally-Ghur, Delhi and Agra, in¬ 
spired general confidence and emulation. In the morning general Lake 
led the charge of the cavalry, and in the "afternoon conducted in person, 
at the head of the 76th regiment, all the different attacks on the enemy’s 
line, and on their reserve posted in and near the village of Mohaulpoor. 
On this day two horses were killed under the commander in chief. The 
shot showered around him in every direction: in the midst of the 
danger and slaughter which surrounded him, he displayed not only the 
most resolute fortitude and ardent valour, but the utmost degree of pro¬ 
fessional ability and knowledge, availing himself with admirable 
promptitude of every advantage presented by the enemy, and frus¬ 
trating every effort of the enemy’s obstinacy and boldness. His mas¬ 
terly plans of attack during the action were carried into instantaneous 
execution by his unrivalled personal activity; and he appeared with 
matchless courage and alacrity in front of every principal charge, which 
he had planned with eminent judgment and skill. 

The staff of the army distinguished themselves greatly, and merit the 
highest commendation. Among these one of the most distinguished 
was major G. A. F. Lake, of his majesty’s 94th regiment, son to the 
commander in chief, who had attended his father in the capacity of 
aide-de-camp and military secretary throughout the whole campaign, 
and whose gallantry and activity in executing his father’s orders had 
been conspicuous in every service of difficulty and danger. 


This 


112 


1803. This promising young officer constantly attended his father’s person, 
and possessed the highest place in the commander in chief's confidence 
and esteem. In the heat of the action the commander in chief’s horse, 
pierced by several shot, fell dead under him. Major Lake, who was 
on horseback close to his father, dismounted, and offered his horse to the 
commander in chief. The commander in chief refused, but major 
Lake’s earnest solicitations prevailed. The commander in chief mounted 
his son’s horse, and major Lake mounted a horse from one of the 
troops of cavalry: in a moment a shot struck major Lake, and wounded 
him severely, in the presence of his affectionate father. At this in¬ 
stant the commander in chief found it necessary to lead the troops 
against the enemy, and to leave his wounded son upon the field. A more 
affecting scene never was presented to die imagination, nor has Provi¬ 
dence ever exposed human fortitude to a more severe trial. Generaj 
Lake, in this dreadful and distracting moment, prosecuted his victory 
with unabated ardour. At the close of the battle, the commander in 
chief had the satisfaction to learn that his son’s wound, although ex¬ 
tremely severe, was not likely to prove dangerous: a confident hope is 
now entertained that this gallant and promising young officer will be 
preserved to enhance the joy of Kis father’s triumph, and to serve his 
king and country with hereditary honour. 

This splendid victory completes the subversion of Scindiah’s hostile 
power and formidable resources in Hindostan, and of the French force, 
which constituted the main strength of his army in that quarter. 

The battle was terminated by four o’clock P. M. on the 1st of No¬ 
vember, when the victorious British army encamped with its left to the 
village of Laswaree, which is on the north bank of the rivulet, and its 
right to a village called Singrah. A battalion of infantry took charge 
of the prisoners, who were all assembled at the village of Sagepoorah, 

which 


113 


which is a very short distance to the eastward of the village of Mohaul- 
poor. Great part of the army had been under arms for sixteen hours, 
and had marched in the course of forty-eight hours a distance of more 
than sixty-five miles. The details of this important victory, together 
with the returns of the killed and wounded, and of the orcjnance cap¬ 
tured, are annexed to these Notes. 

In reviewing the rapid and brilliant events of the campaign against 
the confederate Marhatta chieftains and their French forces, every loyal 
subject of the British empire must remark with the most zealous emo¬ 
tions of just pride and national triumph, that, in the course of an ex¬ 
tensive and complicated system of military operations, the glorious suc¬ 
cess of the British arms has been uniform in every part of India. The 
able and gallant officers and troops of his majesty’s service, and of the 
several establishments of the three presidencies, have been actuated by 
equal sentiments of public spirit and honour, and have co-ope^ ited 
with equal ardour and success in an united effort to accomplish the ob¬ 
jects of the allies. 

From the 8th of August, the day on which hostilities commenced, 
to the 1st of November, the British army has conquered all the posses¬ 
sions of Scindiah in Guzerat, the city of Boorhanpoor in Candeish, the 
province of Cuttack in Orissa, the Marhatta dominions between the 
Jumna and the Ganges, the city of Delhi and the right bank of the 
Jumna, the city of Agra, and the adjoining territory ; has reduced by 
storm the fortified town of Ahmednuggur, the forts of Alyghur, Ba- 
roach and Cuttack; and by capitulation, after having opened batteries, 
the forts of Ahmednuggur, of Powanghur and Champoneer, the fort of 
Asseerghur, denominated the key of the Dekan, and the fort of Agra, 
denominated the key of Hindostan; and has defeated the enemy in 
three general engagements, at Delhi on the 11th of September, at 

O ASS YF/ 


114 


1803. 



Vide Returns, 
Appendix E. 


Ass ye on the 23 d of September, and at Las ware e on the 1st of No¬ 
vember ; having taken, according to the official returns, on the field of 
battle in those engagements and under the walls of Agra, two hundred 
and sixty-eight pieces of ordnance, five thousand stand of arms, two 
hundred and fifteen tumbrils, and fifty-one stand of colours, with a 
large quantity of stores, baggage, camp equipage and ammunition. 

The official returns of the artillery, stores, &c. taken from the enemy 
have not yet been received from Ahmednuggur, Baroach, the fort of 
Delhi, Firozeabad, Champoneer, Powanghur, Jalnahpoor, Cuttack, 
Boorhanpoor and Asseerghur; but the amount of the returns actually 
received of ordnance taken in the several forts, exclusive of that taken 
on the field of battle, is four hundred and forty-fve pieces of ordnance , 
exclusive of tumbrils, stores, &c. making the total number of ord¬ 
nance, of which returns have been received, captured from the 8th 
of August to the 1st of November, seven hundred and thirteen . 

The progress and result of these successful operations have restored 
his highness the peishwah to his sovereign authority at Poonah, and 
cemented our alliance with that prince; have secured the succession of 
the legitimate heir of the sovereign prince of the Dekan to the govern¬ 
ment of his deceased father the late nizam; have protected the British 
interests at Hyderabad from injury; have confirmed the stability of the 
treaties by which the French were expelled from the Dekan in 1798; 
and have delivered the aged, venerable, and unfortunate emperor of 
Hindostan from misery and ignominy, from indigence and bondage, 
and from the hands of the French. 

The achievements of general Lake and major-general Wellesley, 
combined with the admirable and exemplary conduct of the officers 
and troops during this campaign, more particularly in the signal and 
splendid victories of Delhi, of Assye and of Laswaree, must inspire 
4 a general 


115 


a general sentiment of just confidence in the vigour of our military re¬ 
sources, and in the stability of our dominion and power. Our uniform 
success in frustrating every advantage of superior numbers, of powerful 
artillery, and even of obstinate resistance opposed by the enemy, con¬ 
stitutes a satisfactory proof of the established superiority of British dis¬ 
cipline, skill and valour; and demonstrates, that the glorious progress 
of our arms is not the accidental result of a temporary or transient ad¬ 
vantage, but the natural and certain effect of a permanent cause. 

A confident expectation may be entertained, that under the pressure 
of accumulated defeat, with aggravated loss of resources, power, repu¬ 
tation, military strength and dominion, in every quarter of India, the 
confederate Marhatta chieftains, Do whit Rao Scindiah and the rajah 
of Berar, must speedily be compelled to accede to such terms of paci¬ 
fication as shall be calculated to deprive them of the means of disturb¬ 
ing our possessions, and of impairing the efficacy and stability of our 
alliances. 

Under such a general pacification, it is reasonable to expect, that, 
with a considerable augmentation of the lustre and glory of the British 
arms in India, will be combined the accomplishment of a comprehen¬ 
sive system of alliance and political connection in Hindostan and the 
Dekan, calculated to promote the general tranquillity of India; to secure,, 
on the most permanent foundations, the interests and dominion of the 
British nation against the hostile attempts of any Indian or European 
power; and to destroy the last remnant of French influence in India. 


APPENDIX. 


1803. 
V —V-* 


R. Taylor, Black-Horse-Court, 







APPENDIX 

TO THE 

NOTES 

RELATIVE TO THE LATE 

TRANSACTIONS 

IN THE 

. V. J R H, 4 T T, 4 EMPIRE. 


/ 






APPENDIX.A. 


NOTES relative to the History and Constitution of the 
Marhatta Empire, and to the principal Chieftains com¬ 
posing the Marhatta Confederacy. 


Th E Marhatta Empire was founded by Sevajee towards the middle of 
the seventeenth century. Sevajee was the great grandson * of Bhaugha 
Bhooslah, an illegitimate son (by an obscure ^oman of a tribe called Bhooslah), 
of Rana Bheem, a rana of the Rajpoot State of Oudipoor, who was descended 

from 


* RANA BHEEM, 

Prince of Oudipoor. 

v _ . ■ ■ J 


Bhaugha Bhooslah, 
Illegitimate Son of Rana Bheem. 

v ____ j 

Mauloo Jee 



I 

Shahjee. 



Sevajee, 


Founder of the Marhatta Empire, born 
in 1628, died 1680, aged fifty-two 
years. 


* A 2 










4 


or an Account 
f the dynasties 
f the kings of 
.hmednuggur Sf 
eejapoore, see 
cott’sTranslation 
f Ferishta’s Hist. 
I the Dekan. 


from the Rajahs of Chittore, the most ancient of the Hindoo Princes. Baugha 
Bhooslah assumed the name of his mother’s tribe, which has since that 
period continued to be the family name of his descendants, the rajahs of Sat- 
tarah, and of Berar. 

Bhaugha Bhooslah, being neglected and despised by his family on account of. 
his low origin on the female side, retired in disgust from Oudipoor to the 
province of Candeish, in the Dekan, where he entered into the service of a 
zemindar, named Rajah Ali Mohun, and became guardian to the rajah’s son 
until he had attained the age of manhood. Bhaugha Bhooslah subsequently 
quitted Candeish, and purchased a tract of land near the city of Poonah, of 
which he became the zemindar. In this situation he died, leaving issue 
Maulo Jee, who entered into the service of a Marhatta chief named Jaddoo 
Roy, under whom he acquired great rank and influence. 

Soon after this period Mauloo Jee’s son, Shah Jee, was married to 
Jee Jhee, the only daughter of Jaddoo Roy, without the consent of the latter. 
From this marriage was born, in 1028, Sevajee, the ' founder of the Marhatta 
empire. A dispute ensued in consequence of this marriage between Jaddoo 
Roy, and his son-in-law; and Shah Jee, being compelled by Jaddoo Roy to 
quit Ahmednuggur,. (forming at that time the territory of Nizam Shah) 
entered into the service of Ibrahim Adil Shah, king of Beejapoor, who gave 
him a jagheer in the Carnatic, with fhe command of 10,000 horse. 

In consequence of some dispute with his first wife, (the daughter of Jaddoo 
Roy) Shah Jee separated from her, and married Toka Baee, by whom he had 
one son, Ekojee, afterwards king of Tanjore. Shah Jee was killed in 1007 
by a fall from his horse, in hunting at Bednore, where a splendid mausoleum 
was erected to his memory by his friend Rundowla Khan, minister to the king 

of 


of Beejapoor, whose intercession on a former occasion saved Shah Jee from 
being buried alive, which punishment he had been condemned to suffer by 
the king of Beejapoor. 

Shah Jee was succeeded by his son Sevajee, who, disdaining the condition 
of a subject, revolted, and, availing himself of the convulsions which at that 
time disturbed the kingdom of Beejapoor, became independent. He died on 
the 5 th of April, 1 ( 380 , leaving the inheritance of his domains to his son 
Sambajee. At the period of Sevajee’s death, his territory extended from near 
Surat along the sea coast, to the vicinity of the Portuguese districts of Goa, 
and as far inland as the range of hills which 'terminate the Table Land, and 
form the eastern boundary of the Kokan. 

Sambajee, the second rajah of Sattarah, being at Parnala when his father 
died, a faction endeavoured to secure the succession to Rajah Ram, a son of 
Sevajee by another wife. But Sambajee, supported by the greatest part of 
the troops, who had been the companions of his contests with the forces of 
the emperor of Hindostan, established his sovereignty, and reigned until the 
end of June, 1689, when he was barbarously murdered by order of the emperor 
Aurungzebe. 

To Sambajee succeeded his son Sahojee, whose minister (the peishwah) 
Ballajee Bishwanaut, gained such an ascendancy over the mind of his master, 
as to persuade Sahojee to delegate to him the exercise of all authority and power 
in the state. All orders, and every detail of government, issued immediately 
from the peishwah, who received from the rajah the title of mookh* perdhaun, 
or chief civil minister. This form of government has subsisted to the present 

period; 

* The word Pundit is a designation exclusively confined to Bramins, and was an adjunct to 
the family name of Peishwahs. The word Peishwah is Persian, and is synonymous with Mook’h. 
The latter term alone is engraved on the Peishwah’s seal. 


Sevajee , firs 
rajah of SattaraJ 


Sambajee , 
second rajah 


Sahojee, 
third rajah. 


6 


period; and on the death of a peishwah, his successor is invested by the rajah 
of Sattarah with the ensigns of office. During the latter part of Sahojee’s 
reign 5 Sahojee shut himself in Sattarah, and his person and government were 
almost forgotten. Sahojpe married a person named Tara Baee; but, having 
no children by her, he adopted his brother Pursojee’s great grandson, Moodajee 
Booslah; whose disposition however was considered to be so tyrannical, that 
Sahojee was compelled to dismiss him ; and he therefore sent for Janojee, 
the elder brother of Moodajee, who was on his way to Sattarah, when Sahojee 
died in 1740, after a reign of fifty years. During this period the Marhattas, 
after having overrun and plundered almost every part of Hindostan, excepting 
Bengal, extended their territories from the Western Sea to Orissa, and from 
Agra to the Carnatic, forming a tract of near one thousand miles long, by 
seven hundred wide, and including some of the richest and most fertile pro¬ 
vinces of the peninsula of India. The capital of the empire was established 
at Sattarah, a fortress situated about fifty miles south-east of Poonah, and near 
the 18th degree of North latitude. The descendants of Sevajee have since 
been distinguished by the title of the rajahs of Sattarah. 

SEVAGEE, 

\ THE founder of t he marhatta empire v 


Sambajee, 
2d Rajah of 
Sattarah. 


1. Sahojee, 3d 
Rajah of Satta¬ 
rah, married 
Tara Baee, 
who adopted 
Ram Rajah. 


2. Pursojee, 
Bukshi under 
his brother Sa¬ 
hojee , killed 
at Delhi. 

I 

VlMBAJEE, 
killed in Oude 
during his fa¬ 
ther’s life time. 


3. Kanojee, 
Sambajee, 
and 

Ranojee. 


Rajah Ram 
attempted to 
supplant his 
half-brother 
Sambajee, but 
was defeated ; 
died at Gingee 
in the Carnatic. 


Ragojee 
Booslah, 1st 
Raiah of Berar. 


Ram Rajah, 
4th Rajah of 
Sattarah, died 
without issue. 







Sahojee was succeeded by his cousin Ram Rajah, the fourth Rajah of Sat¬ 
tarah, and son of Rajah Ram, who has already been noticed as a competitor 
for power with Sambajee, the son of Sevajee. Ram Rajah was also the adopted 
son of Sahojee’s widow Tara Baee. Ram Rajah being a very weak prince, the 
peishwah Bajee Rao, the son of Ballajee Bishwahnaut, already mentioned, 
usurped the whole power of his master. At that time, Ragojee Booslah, 
the ancestor of the present rajah of Berar, was the bukshi or commander 
in chief of the forces, and as such, held the province of Berar in Jagheer. 
When Bajee Rao usurped the authority of the Rajah of Sattarah; Ragojee 
Bhooslah proceeded to Berar, and there established an independent govern¬ 
ment. It appears, however, that he continued to acknowledge the supremacy 
of the rajah of Sattarah, and the authority of the office-of Peishwah, as the 
civil executive authority of the state. ' 1 

This violent partition of the empire by its principal ministers, encouraged 
the usurpation of others, so that in a few years, the state, from an absolute 
monarchy, (as established by Sevajee) became a mere confederacy of chiefs, 
the principal of whom are the peishaw, the rajah of Berar, and the families 
of Scindiah, Holkar, and the Guikwar. There are some Jagheerdars and 
chieftains of inferior note, to the southward of Poonah, of whom an account 
will be exhibited, at the conclusion of the Appendix. The family of Scindiah 
established themselves in Malwa and Candeish, and afterwards extended their 
conquest over a great part of the rajpoot principalities, and of the northern 
parts of Hindostan. The largest part of Guzerat was siezed by the Guikwar 
family, while the Holkar family established themselves in those parts of 
the province of Malwa, which did not belong to the families of the Peishwah 
and of Scindiah. 

Although the chieftains, enumerated in the preceding paragraph, are inde- 


Ram Rajah, 
fourth rajah. 


Establishment 
the power of tl 
peishwah. 


8 


pendent of each other, they all acknowledge the office of peishwah, to be the 
legitimate executive authority of the Marhatta empire, and admit the supre¬ 
macy of the rajah of Sattarah. Since the accession of Bajee Rao, (the first 
peishwah) however, the rajah of Sattarah has never been a party to any 
public acts or alliances ; and foreign states, finding the peishwah in posses¬ 
sion of the, executive power and authority of the state, have in all transactions 
of the Marhatta state, treated with him as-the legitimate head of the empire. 

The descendants of Sevajee however are still treated with attention and respect. 
No peishwah can enter upon the execution of his office without receiving a dress 
of honor from the rajah of Sattarah. When the peishwah takes the field in per¬ 
son, he must previously receive an audience of leave from the rajah of Sattarah. The 
country in the vicinity of Sattarah enjoys an exemption from military depredations 
of all kinds, and whenever any chief enters this district, all the ensigns of power 
and command are laid aside, and the nagara, or great drum of the empire, 
ceases to beat. These marks of respect alone distinguish the condition of the 
nominal sovereign of the Marhatta empire from that, of a prisoner of state. The 
rajah of Sattarah has long been confined in the fortress of that name upon a con¬ 
tracted allowance. 

By the constitution thus established, the exclusive right of concluding treaties 
and engagements with foreign powers in the name of the Marhatta empire, must 
be considered to be inherent in the supreme executive authority of the state, and 
the peishwah acting in the name, and under the ostensible sanction of the 
nominal head of the empire, has undoubtedly a right to conclude treaties 
which shall be obligatory upon the subordinate chieftains and feudatories, without 
their concurrence. But these chieftains have acquired power by the weakness of 
the peishwah’s government, and are in fact become independent, although they 
continue to-acknowledge the peishwah as the executive minister of state. 


with 


9 


They possess no acknowledged right, however, to conclude separate engagements 
with foreign states, unless the tacit permission to make conquests* should be 
thought to confer that right, but even in this case it must also be inferred, that 
they have not the right to conclude engagements affecting the peishwah’s supre¬ 
macy .They are bound to pay allegiance to the peishwah, and are, to every intent, 
officers and subjects of the Marhatta state, of which the peishwah is the supreme 
executive authority. 

Under these circumstances, the least which can be inferred is, that the 
peishwah has a right to conclude engagements with a foreign state, without 
consulting the feudatory chieftains, provided those engagements do not affect 
the separate rights and interests of those chieftains. If the constitution of the 
Marhatta empire, as established by Bajee Rao, the first peishwah, be referred 
to as the standard for deciding the question, the peishwah’s rights may 
be considered even more extensive. On the other hand, in proportion as 
the feudatory chieftains disclaim the supremacy of the peishwah, they have 
less right to interfere in any degree in the peishwah’s concerns; and the 
peishwah must be considered as an independent state, at liberty to contract 
with a foreign power any engagements which he may deem beneficial to 
his own interests. In both cases, the feudatory chieftains can have no 
pretence to interfere in his arrangements, or to controul his intercouse with 
foreign states. 

The situation of Berar, however, with relation to the peishwah, certainly 
differs from that of the other provinces comprehended in the Marhatta state. 
The province of Berah formed a part of the dominion of Sattarah under 

Ram 

* When the province of Malwa was assigned to Holkar and Scindiah, for the payment of their 
troops, it was stipulated, that of the conquests which they might atchieve, one portion should 
belong to the peishwah, and another portion to Holkar and- Scindiah respectively. 

* B 




to 


JEE BHOOSLAI-I, 
Rajah of Berar. 


Moodajee. 


[ee, the present Ra¬ 
jah of Berar. 


Ram Rajah. That province was then assigned to the bukshi, or com¬ 
mander in chief of the forces, for the payment of the army. At that 
period of time, Ragojee Eooslah, the first rajah of Berar, held the office 
of bukshi; and it does not appear that he ever chose to consider himself 
as totally independent of the state of Sattarah. . This was dictated partly by po¬ 
licy, and partly by a dread of the superior power of the peishwah. Ragojee had 
pretensions (founded on his descent) to the state of Sattarah, after the death of, 
Ram Rajah, who had no issue. The preservation of his nominal subordination 
to the state of Sattarah favored the eventual accomplishment of those pre¬ 
tensions ; but the dread of the superior power of the peishwah prevented 
their ultimate success. 

Under these circumstances, it cannot be supposed that the rajah of 
Berar considered himself to be subordinate to the peishwah, although it 
was his interest to act with him on important occasions as a member of that 
empire, of which the peishwah was the executive civil authority. On oc- 
! casions of meeting between them, the rajah of Berar was treated, in conse¬ 
quence of his descent, as a superior in rank; and in the capacity of the 
first constituent member of the empire claimed the right of sending to the 
peishwah a dress of honor on his accession to office. 


The same system has continued until the present period. The rajah of Berar 
still maintains his pretensions to be rajah of Sattarah, and, a fortiori , to the office 
of peishwah on the same grounds as the first rajah of Berar. On these grounds, 
the rajah of Berar also founds his pretensions to be consulted in the conclusion of 
an alliance between the peishwah and any foreign state. 

The justice of these pretensions however has never been admitted. The 
rajah of Berar must be considered either as the commander in chief of the 

forces 





u 


forces of the empire, or as an independent power. As commander of the 
forces, Ragojee Bhooslah, the first rajah, could not claim the right to be 
consulted by his sovereign the rajah of Sattarah on the conclusion of foreign 
alliances; and the rajah of Sattarah had the power undoubtedly to conclude 
such alliances without the consent of the commander in chief of his forces. 
If the question be not tried by the original constitution of the Marhatta 
empire, (namely that constitution under which the rajah of Sattarah was the 
head of the empire, and Ragojee Bhooslah the commander in chief of the 
forces) it must be decided by the rights of long acknowledged and actual 
power; and under that view of the case, the peishwah’s independence must 
be admitted equally with that of the rajah of Berar....In either case, therefore, 
the right of the peishwah to contract foreign alliances without the consent of 
the rajah of Berar cannot be disputed. 

In concluding this discussion on the nature of the constitution of the 
Marhatta empire, it may be useful to exhibit some account of the powers 
who have been mentioned in the Notes to which this paper' forms an 
Appendix. 

1st. The Peishwah. The wisdom and policy of Bajee Rao, the first 
peishwah, firmly established in his family the power which he had usurped; 
and accordingly, at his death, no opposition was made to the succession to 
the office of peishwah of his eldest son Ballajee Bajee Rao, who died , in 
1761, leaving three sons (Bishwas Rao, who was killed in the battle of 
Panniput in 1762), Madhoo Rao, and Narain Rao. Madhoo Rao, the second 
son, succeeded to the Musnud of Poonah on his father’s 'death; and dying 
in November 1772, was succeeded by his brother Narain Rao, who, in 
August 1773, was assassinated by his paternal uncle Ragonaut Rao, better 
known by the name of Ragobah. A few months after this event, Narain 
Kao’s widow was delivered of a son, who was named Sevajee Madhoo Rao, 

B 2 and 


12 


Oct. 27 , 1796. 
Accession of Ba- 
jee Rao (the pre¬ 
sent peishwah) to 
the office of peish¬ 
wah. 

and who ascended the Musnud, on which he continued until his death, 
which was occasioned in October 1795 , by a fall from the terrace of his 
palace. 

On the death of the second Madhoo Rao, Chimnajee Appa, the younger 
son of Ragobah, was raised to the Musnud, but was afterwards deposed, 
and succeeded by his elder brother Bajee Rao, the present peishwah, who is 
the eldest legitimate son of the late Ragobah. During the reign of the 
second Madhoo Rao, Bajee Rao, the present peishwah, and his brother, were 
confined in the fort of Juneer, near Poonah. 

After a calamitous reign of six years, during which Bajee Rao, the present 
peishwah, was, in the first instance, deprived by the violence and ambition of 
Dowlut Rao Schindiah of the due exercise of his authority, and kept in a 
state of the utmost degradation and restraint, and afterwards deposed and 
compelled by Jeswunt Rao Holkar, on the 25 th October, to abandon his 
capital city of Poonah, and to take refuge in the British territories....the 
peishwah, by the treaty of Bassein, was restored to the full enjoyment of 
his rights and legitimate power on the foundation of the support of the 
British government. The treaty of Bassein being exclusively of a defensive 
nature, imposes no restraint upon any state or power, which shall respect 
the rights and possessions of the British government and its allies, nor can 
any right or power to interfere in the internal concerns of any of the 
Marhatta chieftains, be derived from the stipulations of that treaty, beyond 
the limits of the peishwah’s legitimate authority* to maintain which is 
equally the duty of his subjects, feudatories, and allies. 


The result of these considerations, combined with an attentive observation 
of the facts and arguments stated in the Notes to which this paper forms an 

Appendix, 


13 


Appendix, of the conduct of the British government towards the peishwah, 
towards the nizam, and towards all its allies, demonstrates. in the most satis¬ 
factory and incontrovertible manner, that, in concluding the treaty of Bassein 
with the peishwah, the views and intentions of the British government 
have been just, amicable, and moderate; that the real and legitimate power 
of the peishwah is effectually secured by this alliance; and that, under the 
operation of his engagements with the British government, the peishwah 
may confidently expect to enjoy that tranquillity and security, accompanied by 
respect and honor, which he has never experienced under the oppressive in¬ 
fluence of his own subjects, servants, or feudatory chieftains, and which he » 
never could have attained by the aid of any other state or power. 

2d. Jeswunt Rao Holkar. 

Mulhar Rao Holkar, the founder of this family, was an officer in the 
service of the first peishwah Bajee Rao, and was one of the earliest Marhatta ad¬ 
venturers in the expeditions to the northward. He received, about the year 
1736, a portion of the province of Malwa in jagheer; and died in 1766, at 
Mulhar Ghur, a small fortress in one of his jagheers, situated about forty 
miles from Calpee. Mulhar Rao Holkar* was succeeded by his nephew 
Tuckojee Holkar, who died on the 15th August 1797, leaving two legiti¬ 
mate sons, the eldest named Cashy Rao, and the younger Mulhar Rao; and 
two illegitimate sons Eithojee Holkar, and the present chieftain Jeswunt Rao 
Holkar. The capital of the Holkar territories in Malwa was established at 

. Indore, 

* The ancestor of Mulhar Rao appears to have been too obscure a person to have excited any 
enquiries. Mulhar Rao had one son, named Khundeh Rao, who was killed about the year 1754, 
at Deeg, in a battle against the Jat chief Soorooj Mul. Khundeh Rao had attained the twenty- 
eighth year of his age, and had no issue, but lef t a widow named Aheela Baee, who died about 
five years ago, at Cholea Meyhasur, on the north bank of the Nerbudda. She had a jagheer 
allotted to her support, yielding an annual revenue of fifteen lacks of rupees. 


14 


Indore, a city about thirty miles south east of Ougein. The revenues of 
the Holkar family, previous to the commencement of the late disturbances 
in the province of Malwa, were estimated to amount to eighty lacks of 
rupees, or about one million sterling. 

Some time previously to the death of Tuckojee Holkar, that chief obtained 
from the peishwah a khelaut* of investiture for his eldest son Cashy 
Rao Holkar, as legitimate successor to the territorial possessions of the 
Holkar family. A jagheer, to the annual amount of ten lacks of rupees, 
was however settled on Tuckojee’s younger legitimate son Mulhar Rao; 
hut no provision was made for the illegitimate children, Jeswunt Rao and 
Eithojee, who were left entirely dependent on Cashy Rao Holkar. 

Soon after the decease of Tuckojee Holkar, in 1 797 , disputes arose between 
Cashy Rao and Mulhar Rao ; the latter claiming an equal division of his 
father’s territories with Cashy Rao, and both brothers repaired to the court 
of Poonah, for the purpose of referring their claims to the decision of his 
highness the peishwah. 

On their arrival at Poonah, Dowlut Rao Scindiah, with a view of usurping' 
the possessions of the family, and it is said, in consideration of a payment of 
six lapks of rupees, and of Cashy Rao’s renunciation of a claim on the late 
Madhajee Scindiah to the extent of sixty lacks of rupees, espoused the 
cause ot Cashy Rao Holkar, and made a sudden and unexpected attack in 
the month of September 1797, on Mulhar Rao, whom he slew with most of 
his adherents. 

Jeswunt Rao and Eithojee Holkar had both attached themselves to the 

interest 

f KfcekL t is a * ess of .conferred by a superior on an inferior, -on occasions of acces¬ 

sion. to office, or as a mark of honor. 


15 


interest of Mulhar Rao, and were at Poonah at the period of Mulhar Rao's 
death. Jeswunt Rao immediately fled to Nagpore, where he remained for 
some time. Eithojee fled to Colapoor, where he was taken while in the 
commission of hostilities, sent to Poonah, and put to death. 

The person of Jeswunt Roa Holkar, at the instance of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, 
was also secured by the rajah of «Berar; but Jeswunt Rao, having found means to 
effect his escape from Nagpore, fled to Meyhasur on the Nerbudda, and Assembled 
forces, with which he gained several advantages against the troops of Dowlut Rao 
Scindiah, who remained at Poonah for the purpose of carrying into execution his 
violent and ambitious schemes against the peishwah’s authority and government. 
Dowlut Rao Scindiah however seized the person of Khundeh Rao, the infant and 
posthumous son of Mulhar Rao, (bom a short time after Mulhar Roa’s death, in 
September 1797) and pretended to govern the possessions of the Holkar family 
in the name of Cashy Rao, whom Scindia (since the death Mulhar Roa) had kept 
in a state of dependence. It is probable however that Scindiah's principal motive in 
securing the person of Khundeh Rao Holker, was to obtain the entire control of 
the affairs of the Holkar family, to administer the government of their possessions 
in the name of the family, but to appropraite the revenues to his own use. Both 
Cashy Rao and Jeswunt Rao soon became sensible of the views of Scindiah, and 
were so deeply impressed with the necessity of preventing their accomplish¬ 
ment that they agreed to reconcile their differences, as the only means of keeping 
the Holkar possessions in the family. 

A long contest ensued between Dowlut Rao Scindiah and Jeswunt Rao Holkar, 
and continued until the commencemet of the year 1802, when Holkar appears 
to have determined to change his plan of hostilities, and to make Poonah the 
theatre of his operations. Cashy Rao Holkar had at this period of time resolved 
to maintain a strict neutrality in the dispute between Jeswunt Rao and Scindiah, 

and 


and Jeswunt Rao now asserted, that Khundeh Rao Mulhar, the son of Rao) was the 
legitimate head of the Holkar family. Jeswunt Rao accordingly insisted, that 
Khundeh Rao should bc'relased from confinement, and acknowledged as the head of 
the family by Scindiah; and that the, territory of the Holkar family should be com¬ 
mitted to Jeswunt Rao’s management, as minister to his nephew Khundeh Rao. 

Holkar s Ostensible motive in proceeding to Pponah, was to assert the rights of 
his nephew, and to obtain from the peishwah, as legitimate head of the empire, 
a decision in his favour, But the real views of Holkar appear to have been 
directed to a more important object. The weakness of the peishwah’s govern¬ 
ment, and the entire annihilation of his authority by Scindiah, had left the peish¬ 
wah no means of opposing Holkar, or of compelling Scindiah to surrender the 
person of Khundeh Rao into the hands of Holkar, and Holkar naturally con¬ 
cluded, that the most severe blow which he could strike against Scindiah’s power, 
was to destroy Scindiah’s ascendancy at Poonah, and to convert the authority of the 
peishwah's name, into an useful instrument for his own aggrandizement. 

With these views, towards the middle of the year 1802, Jeswunt Rao Halkar 
proceeded with a large force towards Poonah. Scindiah had been compelled (in 
the month of December 1800, by Hollar’s hostile movements,) to quit Poonah 
for the protection of his possessions in Mahva, and was at Ougein when Holkar 
commenced his march towards Poonah. Being sensible however of the danger, 
to which he was exposed by Holkar’s movement towards Poonah, Scindiah de¬ 
tached a force under the command of Suddasheo Bliow, which reached the vicinity 
of Poonah at the close of the month of September, and afterwards effected a 
junction with the troops belonging to the Peishwah. A general action ensued on 
the 25th October 1802, in which Suddasheo Bhow was entirely defeated, and 
Jeswunt Rao Holkar became master of the city of Poonah, and of the peish¬ 
wah’s government. Jeswunt Rao Holkar, having committed no act of hostility 
against the British government, has hitherto been considered as a friend. In 

the 


17 


the course of the late transactions, Holkar has more than once solicited the 
advice and assistance of the British government, and expressly intimated a 
wish for the mediation of the British resident at the court of Poonah for 
the purpose of effecting an accommodation with the peishwah, and of 
adjusting his demands on Dowlut Rao Scindiah. Under instructions from 
. the governor general, colonel Close, the . resident, actually endeavoured to 
. persuade the peishwah to offer such concessions to Holkar as might induce 
that chieftain to compromise the subsisting differences; but the peishwah has 
hitherto manifested an insuperable aversion to offer any concession to Holkar. 
whom he considers to be a rebel against the legitimate authority of the 
sovereign. executive power of the Marhatta empire. 

If any argument is required to confirm the policy of the late engage¬ 
ments which were concluded at Bassein, between the peishwah and the 

British government, it may be found in a consideration of the actual state 

of Holkar s power, and of the territories of the peishwah, at the period 

when the governor general interposed the power of the British government 

for the recovery of the peishwah’s just authority, and for the security against 
the dangers of contiguous anarchy and confusion, of the dominions of the 
Company, and of it allies and dependents, particularly those of the Nizam 
and the rajah of Mysore. 

After the power of the peishwah had been annihilated by the success of 
Holkar against the united arms of the peishwah and Dowlut Rao Scindiah, 
it could not be expected that his highness would have been restored to 
the efficient exercise of his authority, either by Jeswunt Rao Holkar, or 
by Dowlut Rao Scindiah. 

The design of Holkar to engross the whole power and authority of 

* C the 


18 


the state of Poonah, was demonstrated by his actual usurpation, and by the 
project which he formed and endeavoured to accomplish, of placing on the 
Musnud of Poonah, a new peiswah; or of restoring Bajee Rao to the Mus- 
nud under circumstances of restraint which would have secured to Holkar 
the whole military power and civil authority of the state. It cannot be doubted 
that motives of ambition and of inveterate enmity against Dowlut Rao Scindiah, 
would in that event have induced Jeswunt Rao Holkar to direct his arms 
against the possessions of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, and the accession of mili¬ 
tary power and resources which Holkar would have acquired by the perma¬ 
nent establishment of his authority in the state of Poonah, would probably 
have enabled him to prosecute his views of conquest with success. 

If on the other hand the arms of Dowlut Rao Scindiah had ultimately 
triumphed over those of Holkar, the power and resources of the state of 
Poonah, together with those of Holkar, would have been added to those of 
Scindiah ; and a state would have been formed in the hands of Scindiah, compre¬ 
hending nearly the whole Marhatta dominion, (wi£h the exception of Berar) and 
possessing the nominal authority of the peishwah, and of the Moghul, with a 
considerable revenue, abundant military resources, a powerful artillery, and 
a numerous army, under the discipline and command of French officers. 

No ultimate issue of the distractions at that time existing in the Mar¬ 
hatta empire, could therefore reasonably be supposed, which would not have 
consolidated under one head, a degree of power and dominion dangerous to 
the British government, to the extent in which the balance of contending 
interests in the Marhatta empire should have been disturbed, and in propor¬ 
tion to the means which a power so consolidated would possess, of eventu¬ 
ally co-operating with the government of France in hostile designs against 
the British empire in India. 


The 


19 


The convulsions in the Marhatta state might possibly have continued for some 
time, and might have afforded a temporary security to the British govern¬ 
ment against any hostile designs on the part of the Marhattas, either singly 
or united with an European power. But the effects of such confusion must 
speedily have extended to the contiguous dominions of our ally the Nizam, 
and ultimately to those of the Company, and would have compelled the 
British government to engage in the contest. 

The establishment of Holkar s power at Poonah would probably have occa¬ 
sioned demands on the part of that chieftain upon his highness the Nizam; 
but, even under a contrary supposition, it is demonstrable from the state of 
the country, that Holkar could not long have maintained an army in the 
Dekan, without invading the dominions either of the Nizam or of the Com¬ 
pany. 

The territory round Poonah to a considerable extent, having been entirely de¬ 
solated by the troops of Holkar, that chieftain would have been compelled to 
invade the territory of the Nizam ; or to penetrate into the country situated to 
the southward of the river Kistna, for the subsistance of his numerous troops 
and followers. 

The adoption of the latter alternative would have retarded, for some time, 
the predatory incursions of Holkar’s troops into the territory of the Nizam or 
the Company. But when the immediate resources of peishwah’s southern pro¬ 
vinces should have been exhausted, Plolkar would have been compelled to draw 
the means of subsistence for his troops from the plunder of the Company’s 
contiguous territories, on the resources of which we must principally have de¬ 
pended for the supply of our troops in the contest, which that irruption would have 
rendered inevitable. If therefore the British government had not adopted measures 

*D 2 for 


20 


for the restoration of the peishwah’s authority, either the Company’s territories, 
or those of our ally the Nizam, would have been exposed to all the evils of war; 
while neither the Company nor the Nizam under such circumstances could have 
possessed the means, which both now command, of averting the war from their 
Own dominions, and of accelerating its prosperous conclusion by a vigorous sys¬ 
tem of attack upon the enemy. 

The restoration of the peishwah therefore under the protection of the Bri¬ 
tish power, was a measure indispensibly requisite for the defence, not only of 
the territories of our allies, but of our own possessions bordering on the 
Marhatta dominions in the peninsula of India. 

3d. Dowlut Rao Scindiah. 

Ranojee Scindiah, the founder of this family, was born at Putteelee near 
Poonah, and served first under a chief named Bajee Rap, who commanded 
the body guard of Bajee Rao, the first peishwah, and grandfather to the 
present peishwah. From this inferior station he gradually rose in the 
service of Bajee Rao, the peishwah, and afterwards accompanied him in the 
expedition which was undertaken at the close of the reign of rajah Sahoojee 
against the province of Malwa. This province was afterwards divided into 
three parts, of which the first was allotted to Bajee Rao, the peishwah; the 
second to the rajah of Sattarah; the third to the family of Holkar. As 
a reward for the services which Ranojee Scindiah rendered in the expe¬ 
dition against Malwa, Bajee Rao granted a considerable portion of the shares 
belonging to himself and to the rajah Sattarah, to Ranojee Scindiah ; which grant 
was afterwards confirmed in jagheer to his descendants, by the rajah of 
Sattarah. On the death of Ranojee Scindiah, Madhajee Scindiah, his fifth 
son, succeeded to the management of his patrimonial inheritance, of which 
Ougein was the capital; and by a train of successful operations, was enabled 


to 


21 


to appropriate to himself a considerable part of the province of Malvva, 
belonging to the government of Poonah, as well as to extend his domains 
over a great part of Hindostan, and of the rajpoot states; and to obtain 
possession of the person and nominal authority of the great Moghul, of 
whom he was ostensible minister. 

Madhajee Scindiah died on the 12th February 17Q4, without male issue, 
and was succeeded on the 3d of March following, by his nephew and adopted 
son Dowlut Rao Scindiah, whose violence, rapacity, and lawless ambition, 
have been the main causes of the present war with the confederate Mar- 
hatta chieftains. 


4th. Ragojee Bhooslah. 


The ancestor of the present rajah of Berar, the first Ragojee Bhooslah, 
died in 174$, and transmitted his government* to his son Janojcc, who dying 
in 1772, left his inheritance to the present rajah, the son of Janojee’s 


younger brother Moodhnjee Booslah. This occasioned a contention between 
Janojee’s brothers Sabajee and Moodhajee. The former claimed the govern¬ 


ment in right of priority of birth, and the latter as father and guardian of 
the adopted child. They were accordingly engaged in hostility until the 

death 


RAGOJEE BHOOSLAH, the First Rajah of Berar. 


Janojee, second 
Rajah, died with¬ 
out issue, and 
adopted Raco- 
jee the present 
Rajah. 


Sabajee, killed 
by his Brother 
Moodhajee, on 
27th of January, 
1775. 


Moodhajee, 
third Rajah of 
Berar. 

R A 0 0 j e e, the 
present Rajah. 

Pursojee, 
named Baua 
Rajah, Son and 
Heir to Rago- 


[ 

Khundojee, 
or Chinnea Ba¬ 
boo, died with- Munnojee, or 
out issue, about VeNKAJEe 
the year 1795, at Bhooslah, the 
Nagpoor. present Soubah- 

dar of Ruttun- 
poor, has two 
Sons, one of 
whom is called 
Raoojee, after 
his uncle the 
present rajah 


Bembajee, who 
became Soubah- 
dar of Ruttun- 
poor and Suin- 
bulpoor, about 
the year 176'8» 
and died about 
1788. 








22 


death of Sabajee, who was killed in an engagement with his brother on the 
27 th January 1775. From that period the government of Berar'was holden 
by Moodhajee Bhooslah*, who died at an advanced age on the 19th May 
1788 , and was succeeded by his son Bagojee Bhooslah, the present rajah 
of Berar. 

The views which this chieftain and Dowlut Rao Scindiah are known to 
have entertained with respect to the supreme authority of the Marhatta 
state, afford the means of forming a correct judgment of the motives 
which may have rendered those chieftains desirous of subverting the treaty 
of Bassein, although they admitted that treaty to be equitable in its general 
principle, and to furnish additional security for the just rights of the feu¬ 
datory chieftains of the Marhatta empire, and especially of their own. 

The whole course of Dowlut Rao Scindiah’s proceedings since his acces¬ 
sion to the dominions of his uncle Madhajee Scindiah, has manifested a 
systematic design of establishing an ascendancy in the Marhatta state upon 
the ruins of the peishwah's authority. 

The government and person of the’ peishwah have long been placed 
under a degrading subjection to the oppressive control and unwarrantable usur¬ 
pation of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, who had remained with a numerous army 
in the vicinity of the peishwah’s capital for a considerable period of time. 

The usurpation of Scindiah existed in full force at the commencement 

of 

* ft appears, however, that Moodhajee Booslah, in all state papers, joined his son’s name to his 
own, and though he did not allow him to interfere in business, yet he treated the youth as the 
heir apparent. Moodhajee Bhooslah Was therefore a regent by right during his son’s minority, and 
probably by sufferance, afterwards. Ragojee Bhooslah is about forty-seven years of age 5 and has 
one son, Pursojee Bhooslah, twenty-seven years old. 


23 


of the last war between the Company and Tippoo Sultaun; and the undue 
influence of Soindiah in the Marhatta empire in that crisis, not only de¬ 
prived the British government of every benefit from the nominal alliance 
of the peishwah, at the commencement, and during the progress of the 
war, but afforded positive encouragement to the cause of Tippoo Sultaun, 
and menaced the Nizam’s dominions, previously to the expulsion of the 
French from Hyderabad, in October 1798, and subsequently in 1799, while 
the Nizam’s contingent was actually employed with the British army in the 
common cause of the triple alliance against Tippoo Sultaun. 

At that time, Scindiah was restrained from the actual invasion of the 
Nizam’s dominions, by the direct interposition of the British government. 
His influence however, and the terror of his violence and power, continued 
to rule the court of Poonah, and to alarm the court of Hyderabad, until 
the exigency of his affairs in the north of Hindostan, occasioned principally 
by the successful progress of Jeswunt Rao Holkar’s arms, compelled Dowlut 
Rao Scindiah to retire from Poonah in the year 1800, for the protection of 
his own territories. 

The complete establishment of Holkar’s authority at Poonah, by the de¬ 
feat of Scindiah’s troops in October 1802, required the utmost exertion of 
Scindiah’s power against that active and powerful enemy. 

Had Scindiah succeeded in subverting the power of Holkar, it cannot 
be doubted that he would have taken advantage of that success, for the 
complete establishment of his own undue authority in the state of Poonah; 
he would probably have reinstated the peishwah Bajee Rao in his government; 
or would have raised another to the musnud, to be the pageant of his owfi 
power; or would have usurped the supreme ministerial authority in his own 


name, 


24 


name, if the disposition of the other chieftains of the Marhatta empire 
should have encouraged an expectation of their acquiescence in that ambi¬ 
tious project. 

The uniform tenor of Scindiah’s conduct, the invariable principles of Asiatic 
policy, and the personal character, habits, and disposition of Dowlut Rao 
Scindiah, preclude the supposition that he would have abandoned the abso¬ 
lute power which he would have acquired by the subversion of Holkar’s 
usurpation, and would have adopted the liberal policy of restoring the exiled 
peishwah, to the exercise of the established executive authority of the empire. 

In the moment of alarm, which succeeded the signal success of Jeswuut 
Rao Holkar, Dowlut Rao Scindiah solicited the co-operation of the British 
government, under the pretext of restoring the peishwah’s authority. He 
probably expected, that the aid of a detachment of British troops would 
have ensured his success against Holkar, without controlling his project of 
restoring his own undue ascendancy at Poonah on a more secure and ex¬ 
tensive basis. It now appears, that the active and powerful exertions em¬ 
ployed by the British government at the express solicitation of the peishwah 
for his highness’s complete restoration to the musnud of Poonah, were nei¬ 
ther desired nor expected by Dowlut Rao Scindiah. The actual restoration 
of the peishwah to the government of Poonah, under the exclusive protec¬ 
tion of the British power, and the conclusion of engagements, calculated 
to secure to his highness the due exercise of his legitimate authority on 
a permanent foundation, deprived Dowlut Rao Scindiah of every hope of 
accomplishing the objects of his ambition, injustice, and rapacity, so long 
as the alliance should be successfully maintained. 

This statement of facts sufficiently explains the anxiety of Dowlut Rao 

Scindiah 


25 


Scindiah to effect the subversion of an arrangement, the justice and equity 
of which he was compelled to acknowledge. 

The motives which must be supposed to have influenced the rajah of 
Berar in combining his power with that of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, for the 
subversion of the alliance concluded between the British government and 
the peishwah, were manifestly similiar to those which actuated the conduct 
of Dowlut Rao Scindiah. 

The rajah of Berar has always maintained pretensions to the supreme au¬ 
thority in the Marhatta empire, founded on his affinity to the reigning rajah 
of Sattarah, and in the course of a conference with the native secretary of 
the resident with Dowlut Rao Scindiah on the 14 th of June 1803 , dis¬ 
tinctly avowed those pretensions. 

Convinced that the permanency of the defensive alliance concluded be¬ 
tween the British government and the peishwah, would preclude all future 
opportunity of accomplishing the object of his ambition, the rajah of Berar ap¬ 
pears to have been equally concerned with Dowlut Row Scindiah, in the 
subversion of that alliance. 

Although the views ascribed to those chieftains were manifestly incompa¬ 
tible with the accomplishment of their respective designs, the removal of 
an obstacle which would effectually preclude the success of either chieftain, 
in obtaining an ascendancy at Poonah, constituted an object of common 
interest to both. It appears also to be probable, that those chieftains, sensible 
that the combination of their power afforded the only prospect of subverting 
the alliance concluded between the British government and the peishwah, agreed 
to compromise their respective and contradictory projects, by an arrangement 
for the partition of the whole power and dominion of the Marhatta state. 

* D But 


26 


But, whatever may have been the specific objects of Scindiah and the 
rajah of Berar, the operation of the treaty of Bassein was evidently calculated 
to preclude the accomplishment of any ambitious projects on the part of 
those chieftains, and to confine their power and authority within the just 
limits of their respective dominions. 

Under this view of the subject, a sufficient cause will be discovered of the 
hostile conduct of those chieftains, although no just ground of complaint 
should even have been alleged by them against the British government, 
or any design imputed to us in any degree injurious to the security of the 
acknowledged rights and independence of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, or of the 
rajah of Berar. 


SOUTHERN 





SOUTHERN JAGHEERDARS of the MARHATTA EMPIRE. 


The subordinate chieftains occupying territory to the south of Poonah, 
may be divided into two classes; first, the rajahs and hereditary jagheer- 
dars; and second, officers of the government of Poonah, who command 
troops or forts. 

The principal chieftains of the first class are : 

1. The rajah of Colapore, who is of the same family as the rajah of 
Sattarah; although this chieftain therefore may have submitted to the power 
of the peishwah, it would be an inversion of the principles on which the 
authority of the peishwah rests, to suppose that the peishwah could demand 
personal allegiance from a branch of the family of which he is the osten¬ 
sible minister. On this account the peishwah addresses the rajah of Cola- 
pore as a superior, and treats him as such on all occasions of' form or 
public ceremony. The rajah maintains 1,500 horse, and 3,000 peons, and is 
stated to enjoy a revenue of between twenty and twenty-five lacs of rupees. 

2. The Putwurdun family, who are Cokan bramins. Gopaul Hurry, the father 
of the late Purseram Bhow, left seven sons, who are all deceased, and of whom 
the four eldest (namely Gopaul Rao, Purseram Bhow, Ragonaut Rao, and Pan 
drung Rao) left issue. The property and jagheers of the Putwurdun family are 
now divided between the sons of these four chiefs, who are, first, Balajee Gopaul 
Rao, the son of the second Gopaul Rao. As the senior branch of the family, 
Balajee Gopaul Rao possesses Meritch and the neighbouring districts, yielding a 
revenue of about four lacs of rupees; he maintains a force of about two hundred 
horse, and one thousand five hundred foot. Second, Appah Sahib, the son of 

* D 2 Purseram 


The account of 
the Southern 
jagheerdars is 
compiled from 
information 
communicated 
by Major John 
Malcolm, resi¬ 
dent in Mysore. 




28 


Purseram Show, resides at Jumcondah, one of his jagheers, and enjoys a revenue 
of about four lacs of rupees. He maintains a fixed establishment of five hundred 
horse and one thousand foot, and has occasionally hired other troops for the 
purpose of ravaging the country of the rajah of Colapore, with whom he has 
been at war since the death of his father Purseram Bhow, who was killed in 
] 799 , m an engagement with the rajah near the town of Colapore. Third, 
Trimbuck Rao Ragonaut Rao resides at Karandwar, the chief town of his jag- 
heer, which yields an annual revenue of about two lacs of rupees. His quota is 
three hundred horse, but he also has enlisted, at different times, troops to assist 
his cousin Appah Sahib, against the rajah of Colapore. Fourth, Chintamenee 
Rao Pandrung, son of Pandrung Rao, has a jagheer yielding four and half lacs 
of rupees, and resides at Hereepoor; he maintains a fixed establishment of seven 
hundred cavalry, and four hundred horse, and lately increased his cavalry for the 
purpose of plundering the country of Colapore. 

3 . The Rastia family, who are also cokan bramins, have long possessed 
power and reputation in the state of Poonah. Anund Rao, the father of the 
present chiefs of the family, left five sons, and derived great influence from his 
connection with Nana Furnavese, (principal minister under the Peishwa'h Mad- 
hoo Rao the second, of the Marhatta empire for near twenty-five years) who 
married one of Anund Rao s daughters. The power of the Rastia family 
has since the death of Anund Rao been united in the person of his eldest 
son, Madhoo Rao Rastia, to whom all the other sons of Anund Rao pay 
implicit obedience. The Putwurdun and Rastia familes are connected by 
marriage; they have several times been on bad terms since the death of 
the late peishwah Madhoo Rao in 1795, but are now friends. Madhoo 
Rao collects a revenue of about twenty lacs of rupees, and resides at Bad- 
amee; he maintains a force of four thousand horse, and four thousand 
peons, and lately hired an additional force of plundering horse, whom he 
employed against the rajah of Sholapore, with whom he constantly carries 
on a predatory warfare. 


4 . 




4. Kishen Rao Appah Dasheo, jagheerdar of Nepaunee, has a small re ¬ 
venue, and maintains only three hundred horse and four hundred peons; he 
is at variance with the rajah of Colapore. 

5. Malajee Gooparah, who holds in jagheer the towns and districts of 
Tumba, Indie, and Almil, from which he derives a revenue of one lac of 
rupees; he maintains six hundred horse, for which he is allowed pay by 
government. 

6 . Purseram Pundit is a chief of some consequence; he possesses, to the 
southward of Poonah, Bijapoor Bagawarah, and some land in the Cokan. His 
revenue is estimated at ten lacs of rupees, and he maintains a force of three 
thousand horse. 

7- Pandrung Bauboo Rao possesses in jagheer the town and district of 
Baramuttee, and some adjacent villages, from which he derives a revenue 
sufficient to maintain one thousand horse. 

8 . Jaun Rao Nemaikur, jagheerdar of Puttun, a town near Panderpoor, 
on the banks of the Beemah, maintains one thousand and five hundred 
horse. 

g. Venketerow, jagheerdar of Nurgoond and Ramdroog, has a revenue 
of one lac and twenty five thousand rupees: and maintains five hundred peons 
to garrison his forts. He has obtained some consequence by the marriage 
of his daughter to the youngest son of the late Purseram Bhow, and of 
his son to the sister of BaupO Ghoklah ; and the latter chief, in consequence 
of this connection, leaves his family and property in Nurgoond, whenever 
he is engaged on a distant expedition. 

10 . Sedasheva Pundit possesses in jagheer the fort and district of Belgham, 
which yields a revenue of about forty thousand rupees. He maintains a 

force 


30 


force of one thousand horse and two thousand peons, which is supported 
by the revenue of his jagheers to the northward of Poonah. 

11. Dowlut Rao Goorparah, the brother of the famous Morari # Rao, of 
Ghooty, is jagheerdar of the town and district of Gujinderghur, which has 
long been in his family. It was taken by Tippoo Sultaun in 1786, but 
recovered in 1702, and restored to this family, who are highly respected 
among the Marhattas, notwithstanding they have lost that power which 
they formerly possessed. Dowlut Rao Goopara has a revenue of about 
three lacks of rupees, and maintains a force of three hundred horse and 
three hundred peons, which form the garrison of the fort of Gujinderghur. 

12. Malaseija Dasheo, the rajah of Khytore, possesses the country of 
Khytore, which yields a revenue of four lacs of rupees. He maintains a 
force of one thousand horse, and four thousand peons, and is bound to 
pay an annual peishcush, or tribute, to the peishwah, of sixty or seventy 
thousand rupees. 


The chiefs of the second class are officers of government commanding 
troops and garrisons. 

1. Bapoo Ghoklah, who is the son of Dhondiah Punt Ghoklah, a Cokan 
Bramin, and commander of one hundred horse of the pagah or stable 
horse of government, which accompanied Purseram Bhow to Seringapatam 
in 1792 . Bapoo Ghoklah commands a force of two thousand horse, besides 
pindaries, of whom he has at least one thousand. He has also one thou¬ 
sand infantry, with two or three guns. The only permanent resources 

which 

* A person of this family arrived in Major-general Wellesley’s camp, on the 11th November, for 
the purpose of negotiating the terms of peace on the part of Dowlut Rao Scindiah. Vide Official 
gazette, in Appendix D. 




31 


which Bapoo Ghoklah has for paying this force, are the revenues of the 
Guduck and Nuwulgund districts, which his father seized, and which 
produce near five lacs of rupees per annum. He however derives consi¬ 
derable resources from the plunder of the country in the vicinity of his 
districts. 

2. Gunput Rao Paunseh, commander of the artillery, is an old and 
distinguished officer of the government of Poonah, and enjoys the districts 
of Matcovee, and Hoongoond, (yielding one lac of rupees per annum) as 
a personal jagheer. Gunput Rao has also the management of Rannee Bed- 
nore, and Hungul, which are the personal jagheers of Rapram Choudry, 
(an officer in the service of the peishwah,) and which produce an annual 
revenue of about one lac and twenty-five thousand rupees. 

3. Bapoojee Wettel, who attended the peishwah to Bassein, and com¬ 
mands five hundred horse. 

4. Bapoo Wettel Seo Deo commands six hundred horse; he is not a 
native of the southern provinces of the Poonah state, but entered the 
service at the same time as Gunput Rao Paunseh. 

5. Ball Kishen Gungadur commands five hundred horse, and entered 
the service of the peishwah at the same time with Gunput Rao Paunseh 
and Seo Deo. 

6. Bapoojee Rao Scindiah, killadar of Darwar, was placed in charge of 
that fortress in the year 1794, by the late peishwah. He maintains a garrison 
of eight hundred peons, and one hundred and twenty horse, for the payment 
of which and other expences of the fort, he is allowed the districts of 

Butgerah 


32 


Butgerah and Mardagy, which yield a revenue of one lac' and twenty 
thousand rupees per annum. 

Bapoojee Scindiah lately increased his troops to the number of two thousand 
horse, and three thousand peons, to make war on the rajah of Kythore, 
who has attacked the districts committed to his management. 

7. The town and districts of Anagherree and Pursaghur, belong to Amrut 
Kao, (adopted son of the late Ragobah, father of the present peishwah) to 
whom they were given by the present peishwah, Bajee Rao, on his as¬ 
cending the musnud of Poonah. They produce a revenue of fifty thousand 
rupees per annum, and are managed for Amrut Rao, by a person named 
Anund Rao Lullee. 

In addition to the chieftains and jagheerdars already enumerated, the Pattah 
family, who so long possessed the extensive province of Savanore, (which 
consisted of twenty-two talooks or districts, and includes the greatest part 
of the territory belonging to the Marhattas south of the Kistnah) require 
to be particularly noticed. 

Mujud Khan, the grandfather of the present Nawaub of Savanore, was 
attacked in the year 1750, by the combined forces of the peishwah and 
Salabut Jung, the soubahdar of the Dekan, and was compelled to purchase a 
peace, by the surrender of eleven talooks, (one half of his possessions) to his 
enemies. He died soon after this event, and left his country to his son 
Hakeem Khan, who contracted an intimate alliance with Hyder Ally Khan, 
which was afterwards cemented by several intermarriages. Hyder Ally sup¬ 
ported Hakeem Khan so effectually against the Marhattas, that Hakeem 
Khan recovered almost all the talooks which he had lost, and continued in 
a state of prosperity during the life of Hyder. 


The 


33 


The death of the latter prince in 1782, occasioned the ruin of the family 
of Savanore ; they were attacked and expelled from their country by Tippoo 
Sultaun, whom they have justly provoked by joining the Marhattas. Hakeem 
Khan, who had fled towards Poonah, did not long survive his misfortunes. 
He left several sons; the eldest, Abdul Kheir Khan, resided at Seringapatam, 
where he had married the daughter of Hyder Ally Khan. On the conclusion 
of the peace of 1792 , Savanore came into the possession of the peishwah, 
who provided for Hussain Khan, the second son of Hakeem Khan, by 
giving him in jagheer the town and district of Savanore, producing about 50,000 
rupees per annum. 

Tippoo Sultaun, being apprized of this arrangement, permitted Abdul Kheir 
Khan to proceed from Seringapatam, for the purpose of claiming his pa¬ 
trimony. On reaching Savanore, Kheir Khan’s younger brother (Hussain 
Khan) refused to admit his right; Kheir Khan, therefore, went to Poonah, 
and obtained from the minister Nana Furnavese, a decision in his favor, 
as eldest son of Hakeem Khan. Nana Furnavese granted him a sunnud to 
take possession of Savanore, to which he directed Purseram Bhow to enforce 
obedience. 

When the rebel Dhoondiah Waugh, in 1800, entered Savanore, Abdul 
Kheir Khan placed himself under the protection of the British army; after 
the death of Dhoondiah, General Wellesley made an arrangement to secure 
to Kheir Khan the receipt of the revenues of his jagheer; but the distracted 
state of the province of Savanore since that period, not only defeated Major 
General Wellesley's arrangement, but compelled Kheir Khan to retire to 
Soondah, where he began to raise troops. Being prevented from completing 
his levies by General Wellesley, he has since returned to Savanore, where he 
now resides with his whole family. 

* E Few 


10th September, 
1800 . 


34 


Few of the actual jagheerdars have any legal hereditary right to their 
present possessions, which have in general been granted to their ancestors for 
military service. The peishwah’s government, however, has for some years been 
too weak to attempt the resumption of their grants, or to insist on the perfor¬ 
mance of the conditions of service on which they were originally made; and 
the changes of fortune which have befallen the different jagheerdars, have 
been occasioned more by their disputes with each other, than by any ex¬ 
ertion of authority on the part of the government of Poonah, of which 
they are the nominal servants. 

The officers of government who have been intrusted with the command of troops 
and garrisons, have been almost invariably induced by the weakness of the 
government of Poonah, by the convulsions which have so long disturbed 
the Marhatta empire, and by the example of others, to endeavour to ren¬ 
der their authority permanent, and in some cases hereditary in their own 
family. The accomplishment of this object has been facilitated by the 
manner in which they are paid by the government of Poonah for their 
services, which is always done by orders upon the revenues of the coun¬ 
tries in which they are employed. This system gradually leads to the com¬ 
plete establishment of their personal authority, and the subversion of that 
of the peishwah. 

It is also customary to assign the revenues of a district for a stated pe¬ 
riod to such jagheerdars as may have incurred an expence in the service 
of the peishwah, beyond the produce of their jagheers; and such temporary 
grants are often permanently annexed to their former possessions. 

The temporary allotment of a country to a jagheerdar, or the assign¬ 
ment of revenue to an officer of government for the payment of his troops, 

usually 


35 


usually terminates in the independent establishment of the jagheedar, or 
officer in the assigned country, or in a ruinous contest for the recovery of 
the rights of the state. This system makes every province in the Mar- 
hatta empire a scene of pretty warfare, and has enabled subjects of the 
state to assume rights to which they have no other claim than that of usurpa¬ 
tion and violence. 

From this state of weakness and inefficiency, the government of Poonah 
may confidently expect to be relieved by the operation of the treaty of 
Bassien, which, at the same time that it entitles the peishwah to the 
whole exertion of the British power in the event of any emergency which 
may require the aid of the Company for the external defence and protection 
of his government and possessions, is calculated to enforce a due submis¬ 
sion to his authority within his immediate dominions, to preserve his ter¬ 
ritories from internal anarchy, and to promote the happiness and tranquillity 
of his subjects, and the general prosperity of his country. 


* E2 


APPENDIX 


36 


appendix c. 

TREATY OF BASSE IN. 

^ li\ f,aty of Perpetual, and General Defensive Alliance between 
the Honorable English East India Company, and his Highness the 
Peishwah Bajee Rao, Rogonaut Rao Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur, his 
children, heirs and successors, settled by lieutenant-colonel Barry Close, resident 
at the court of his highness, by virtue of the powers delegated to him by his 
Excellency the Most Noble Richard Marquis Wellesley, Knight of the most 
illustrious order of St. Patrick, one of his Britannic Majesty s most hono¬ 
rable privy council, governor general in council, appointed by the Hono¬ 
rable Court of Directors of the said Honorable Company, to direct and con¬ 
trol all their affairs in the East Indies. 

Whereas, by the blessing of God, the relations of peace and friendship 
have uninterruptedly subsisted for a length of time, between the Honorable 
English East India Company, and his highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun Ba¬ 
haudur, and have been confirmed at different periods, by treaties of amity 
and union; the powers aforesaid, adverting to the complexion of the times, 
have determined, with a view to the preservation of peace and tranquillity, to 
enter into a general defensive alliance, for the complete and reciprocal protection 
of their respective territories, together with those of their several allies and 
dependants, against the unprovoked aggressions, or unjust encroachments, of all 
or any enemies whatever. 

ARTICLE I. 

The peace, union, and friendship, so long subsisting between the two 
states, shall be promoted and increased by this treaty, and shall be perpetual. 

The 


3; 


The friends and enemies of either, shall be the friends and enemies of both/ 
and the contracting parties agree, that all the former treaties and agreements 
between the two states, now in force, and not contrary to the tenor of 
this engagement, shall be confimed by it. 

ARTICLE II. 

If any power or state whatever, shall commit any act of unprovoked 
hostility or aggression, against either of the contracting parties, or against 
their respective dependants or allies; and, after due representation, shall 
refuse to enter into amicable explanation, or shall deny the just satisfaction 
or indemnity which the contracting parties shall have required, then the con¬ 
tracting parties will proceed to concert and prosecute such further measures 
as the case shall appear to demand. For the more distinct explanation 
and effect of this agreement, the governor-general in council, on behalf of 
the honorable Company, hereby declares, that the British government will 
never permit any power or state whatever to commit, with impunity, any 
act of unprovoked hostility or aggression, against the rights and territories 
of his highness Rao Pundit Purdham Bahaudur; but will, at all times, main¬ 
tain and defend the same, in the same manner as the rights and territories 
of the honorable Company are now maintained and defended. 

ARTICLE III. 

With a view to fulfil this treaty of general defence and protection, his highness 
Rao Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur agrees to receive, and the honorable East India 
Company to furnish, a permanent subsidiary force of not less than six thousand 
regular native infantry, with the usual proportion of field pieces, and European 
artillefy men attached, and with the proper equipment of warlike stores and 
ammunition; which force is to be accordingly stationed in perpetuity in his 
said highness’s territories. 


ARTICLE 


38 


ARTICLE IV. 

For the regular payment of the whole expence of the said subsidiary force, his 
highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur hereby assigns and cedes in perpetuity 
to the honorable East India Company, all the territories detailed in the schedule 
annexed to this treaty. 

ARTICLE V. 

As it may be found, that certain of the territories ceded by the foregoing 
article to the honorable Company, may be inconvenient from their situation, his 
highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur, for the purpose of rendering the 
boundary line of the honorable Company’s possessions a good and well-defined 
one, agrees, that such exchanges of talooks or lands shall be made hereafter, on 
terms of a fair valuation of their respective revenues, as the completion of the 
said purpose may require: and it is agreed and covenanted, that the territories 
to be assigned and ceded to the honorable Company by the fourth article, or 
in consequence of the exchange stipulated eventually in this article, shall be sub¬ 
ject to the exclusive management and authority of the said Company, and of 
their officers. 

ARTICLE VI. 

Notwithstanding the total annual expence of the subsidiary force is estimated 
at twenty-five lacks of rupees, his said highness hath agreed to cede by Article IV. 
lands estimated to yield annually the sum of twenty-six lacks of rupees, the 
additional lack being intended to meet possible deficiences in the revenues of the 
said lands, and save the honorable Company from loss. 

ARTICLE VII. 

After the conclusion of this treaty, and as soon as the British resident shall 
signify to his highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur, that the honorable 

Company’s 


39 


Company’s officers are prepared to take charge of the districts ceded by Article IV. 
his highness will immediately issue the necessary purwannahs or orders to his 
officers, to deliver over charge of the same to the officers of the honorable 
Company ; and it is hereby agreed and stipulated, that all collections made by 
his highness’s officers, subsequently to the date of this treaty, and before the 
officers of the honorable Company shall liave taken charge of the said districts, 
shall be carried to the credit of the honorable Company; and all claims to 
balances from the said districts, referring to periods antecedent to the conclusion 
of this treaty, shall be considered as null and void. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

All forts situated within the districts to be ceded as aforesaid, shall be delivered 
to the officers of the honorable Company with the said districts : and his highness 
Rao Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur engages, that the said forts shall be delivered to 
the honorable Company, without being injured or damaged, and with their 
ordinary equipment of ordnance, stores, and provisions. 

ARTICLE IX. 

Grain and all other articles of consumption, and provisions, and all sorts of 
materials for wearing apparel, together with the necessary numbers of cattle, 
horses, and camels, required for the use of the subsidiary force, shall be entirely 
exempted from duties ; and the commanding officer and officers of the said sub¬ 
sidiary force, shall be treated, in all respects, in a manner suitable to the dignity 
and greatness of both states: the subsidiary force will, at all times, be ready to 
execute services of importance, such as the protection of the person of his 
highness, his heirs, and successors ; the overawing and chastisement of rebels, or 
exciters of disturbance in his highness’s dominions, and due correction of his 
subjects or dependants, who may withhold payment of the sircar’s just claims; but 

it 


40 


it is not to be employed on trifling occasions, nor like sebundy to be stationed 
in the country to collect the revenues, nor against any of the principal branches 
of the Marhatta empire, nor in levying contributions from Marhatta dependants 
in the manner of Moolkgeery. 


ARTICLE X. 

Whereas much inconvenience has arisen from certain claims and demands of 
the Marhatta state, affecting the city of Surat, it is agreed, that a just calculation 
shall be made of the value of the said claims by his highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun 
Bahaudur, and the government of Bombay; and, in consequence of the intimate 
friendship now established between the contracting parties, his highness Rao 
Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur agrees, for himself, his heirs and successors, to 
relinquish for ever, all the rights, claims, and privileges, of the Marhatta state 
affecting the said city of Surat; and all collections on that account shall cease 
and determine from the day on which this treaty shall be concluded; in consider¬ 
ation of which act of friendship, the honorable East India Company agrees, that 
a piece of land, yielding a sum equal to the estimated value of the said claims 
of the Marhatta state, shall be deducted from the districts ceded by Article IV; 
and on the same principle, and from similar considerations, his highness further 
agrees, that the amount of the collections made for the Poonah state, under the 
title of Nogabundy, in the purgunnahs of Chourassy and Chickley, shall be ascer¬ 
tained by an average taken from the receipts of a certain number of years, or 
by such other mode of calculation as may be determined on; and his said 
highness doth further agree, for himself, his heirs and successors, to relinquish 
for ever the Nogabundy collections aforesaid; and they shall accordingly cease 
from the conclusion of this treaty; and it is agreed and stipulated, that a piece 
of land, yielding a sum equal to the amount of the said Nogabundy collections, 
shall be deducted from the districts ceded by Article IV. in the same manner as 
stipulated in regard to the choute of Surat. 

ARTICLE 


41 


A RTICLE XI. 

Whereas it has been usual for his highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur 
to enlist and retain in his service Europeans of different countries, his said 
highness hereby agrees and stipulates, that in the event of war breaking out 
between the English and any European nation, and of discovery being made 
that any European or Europeans in his service, belonging to such nation at war 
with the English, shall have meditated injury towards the English, or have 
entered into intrigues hostile to their interests, such European or Europeans 
so offending, shall be discharged by his said highness, and not suffered to reside 
in his dominions. 

ARTICLE XII. 

Inasmuch as by the present treaty, the contracting parties are bound in a 
general defensive alliance for mutual defence and protection against all enemies, 
his highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur, consequently engages, never 
to commit any act of hostility or aggression against his highness the nabob Asoph 
Jah Bahaudur, or any of the honorable Company’s allies or dependants, or 
against any of the principal branches of the Marhatta empire, or against any 
power whatever: and in the event of differences arising, whatever adjustment 
the Company’s government, weighing matters in the scale of truth and justice, 
may determine, shall meet with full approbation and acquiescence. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

And whereas, certain differences referring to past transactions are known to 
subsist between the sircar of his highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur, and 
the sircar of his highness the nabob Asoph Jah Bahaudur; and whereas, an ami¬ 
cable adjustment of those differences must be highly desirable, for the welfare 
and benefit of both the said sircars, his highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur, 

* F with 


42 


with a view to the above end, agrees, and accordingly binds himself, his heirs 
and successors, to fulfil and conform to the stipulations of the treaty of Mhar; 
and his highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun Rahaudur, further agrees, that on the 
basis of the fulfilment of the said treaty of Mhar, and of the claim of his highness 
the nabob Asoph Jah Bahaudur to be totally exempted from the payment of 
choute, the honorable Company’s government shall be entitled to arbitrate and 
determine all such points as may be in doubt or difference between the sircars of 
their highnesses aforementioned: and h\s highness Rao Pundit Purdaun Bahaudur 
further agrees, that in the event of any differences arising between his govern¬ 
ment and that of his highness the nabob Asoph Jah Bahaudur, at any future 
period, the particulars of such differences shall be communicated to the honorable. 
East India Company, before any act of hostility shall be committed on either side; 
and the said honorable Company, interposing their mediation in a way suitable 
to rectitude, friendship, and union, and mindful of justice and established usage, 
shall apply themselves to the adjustment of all such differences conformably to 
propriety and truth, and shall bring the parties to a right understanding: and it 
is further agreed, that whatever adjustment of any such differences the Company’s 
government, weighing things in the scale of truth and justice, shall determine, 
that determination shall, without hesitation or objection, meet with the full 
approbation and acquiescence of both parties. It is, however, agreed, that this 
stipulation shall not prevent any amicable negotiations which the honorable 
Company, and the courts of Poonah and Hyderabad respectively, maybe desirous 
of opening, provided no such negotiation shall be carried on between any of the 
three parties, without full communication thereof to each other. 

ARTICLE XIV. 

Whereas a treaty of friendship and alliance has been concluded between the 
honorable Company, and rajah Anund Rao Guikwar Bahaudur, and whereas 
the said treaty was meditated and executed without any intention that it should 

infringe 


43 


infringe any of the just rights or claims of his highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun 
Bahaudur, affecting the sircar of the said rajah; his said highness, .adverting 
thereto, and also to the intimate alliance now established between the contracting 
parties, doth hereby formally acknowledge the existance of the said treaty, between 
the honorable Company and rajah Anund Rao Guickwar Bahaudur; and in 
as much as by reason of certain unfinished transactions, the conclusion of which 
has been suspended from time to time, various demands and papers of accounts 
are found to subsist between the government of his highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun 
Bahaudur, and the sircar of the rajah aforementioned: his said highness, placing 
full reliance on the impartiality, truth, and justice of the British government, 
doth hereby agree, that the said government shall examine into, and finally adjust 
the said demands and papers of accounts, and his said highness further stipulates, 
and binds himself, his heirs and successors, to abide by such adjustment as tlie 
British government shall accordingly determine. 

ARTICLE XV. 

The contracting parties will employ all practicable means of conciliation to 
prevent the calamity of war, and, for that purpose, will at all times be ready to 
enter into amicable explanations with other states, and to cultivate and improve 
the general relations of peace and amity with all the powers of India, according 
to the true spirit and tenor of this defensive treaty. But if a war should unfor¬ 
tunately break out between the contracting parties and any other power whatever, 
then his highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur engages, that with the reserve 
of two battalions of Sepoys, which are to remain near his highness’s person, the 
residue of the British subsidiary force, consisting of four battalions of Sepoys, 
with their artillery, joined by six thousand infantry and ten thousand horse, of his 
highness’s own troops, and making together an army of ten thousand infantry and 
ten thousand cavalry, with the requisite train of artillery, and warlike stores of 
every kind, shall be immediately put in motion for the purpose of opposing the 

* F 2 enemy; 


44 


enemy; and his highness likewise engages to employ every further effort in his 
power for the purpose of bringing into the field, as speedily as possible, the 
whole force which he maybe able to supply from his dominions, with a view to 
the effectual prosecution and speedy termination of the said war. The honorable 
Company in the same-manner engage on their parts, in this case, to employ m 
active operations against the enemy, the largest force which they may be able to 

furnish over and above the said subsidiary force. 

if 

ARTICLE XVI. 

Whenever war shall appear probable, his highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun Ba~ 
haudur engages to collect as many Bunjaries as possible, and to store as much 
grain as may be practicable in his frontier garrisons. 

ARTICLE XVII. 

As by the present treaty, the union and friendship of the two states is so firmly 
cemented, that they may be considered as one and the same, his highness Rao 
Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur engages, neither to commence nor to pursue in 
future, any negotiations with any other power whatever, without giving previous 
notice, and entering into mutual consultation with the honorable East India 
Company’s government; and the honorable Company’s government on their 
parts, hereby declare, that they have no manner of concern with any of his 
highness's children, relations, subjects, or servants, with respect to whom his 
highness is absolute. 

ARTICLE XVIII. 

In as much as by the present treaty of general defensive alliance, the ties of 
union are, with the blessing of God, so closely drawn, that the interests of the 
two states are become identified ; it is further mutually agreed, that if disturbances 
shall at any time break out in the districts ceded to the honorable Company by 

this 


45 

this agreement, his highness Rao Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur shall permit such 
a proportion of the subsidiary troops, as may be requisite to be employed in 
quelling the same, within the said districts. If disturbances shall at anytime 
break out in any part of his highness’s dominions, contiguous to the Company’s 
frontier; to which it might be inconvenient to detatch any proportion of the sub¬ 
sidiary force, the British government in like manner, if required by his highness 
Rao Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur, shall direct such proportion of the troops jof 
the Company as may be most conveniently stationed for the purpose, to assist in 
quelling the said disturbances within his highness’s dominions. 

ARTICLE XIX. 

It is finally declared, that this treaty which, according to the foregoing articles, 
is meant for the support and credit of his said highness’s government, and to 
preserve it from loss and decline, shall last as long as the sun and moon shall 
endure. 

Signed, sealed, and exchanged at Bassein, 
the 31s£ of December, A. D. 1802, 
or the 5th of Ramzaun, A. H. 1217- 



A TRUE COPY, 

(Signed) B. CLOSE, Resident at Poonah. 

A TRUE COPY, 

(Signed) M. WILKS, Private Secretary. 


SCHEDULE 


SCHEDULE of the Territories ceded in perpetuity by his Highness 
Bajee Rao Ragonaut Pundit Purdhaun Bahaudur, to the Honorable 
English East Lidia Company Bahaudur, agreeably to the fourth 
article of the annexed treaty. 

First. From the province of Guzerat, and territories south thereof, 

Dundooka, together with Choora, Ranapore, and Gogo, 1,05,000 
Cambay Choute and Nagpoor . 60,000 


South of the Taptee. 

Purnair . 27,000 

Bootrar . 6,200 

Buwanny. 8,800 

Bulrur. 85,000 

Panhole . 1,07,000 

Soopa . 51,000 

Sarbaun . 30,000 

Wallore. 30,000 

Bamdookusba. 7,900 

Waunsda Choute . 7,000 

Durumpoory Choute. 9,000 

Surat Choute . 42,100 

Customs. 83,000 

Between the Nerbudda and Taptee. 

Oolpar . 3,16,000 

Hansood...... 85,000 

Ocliseer. 78,000 

Nundavy. 65,000 


Total, south of the Taptee, and between the Taptee and Nerbudda, 10,38*020 


Deducted 






















4 7 


Deducted 20 per cent on account of decrease of revenue, 2,07,600 

- 8,30,400 

Nakabundy of Cliourassy and Chickley... 20,000 

Phoolpara, Coomaria, Cattugaum..?... 5,000 

- 25,000 


Second. From the territories near the Toombudra. 

Savanoor twenty-six talooks ...10,22,838 

From Bankapcor .... 5,56,762 

- 15,79,600 

Grand Total . 26,00,000 

Signed, sealed, and exchanged at Bassein, 
the 31^ of December, A. D. 1802, 
or the 5th of Ramzaun, A. H. 1217* 



A TRUE COPY, 


(Signed) B. CLOSE, Resident at Poonah. 

A TRUE COPY, 

(Signed) M. WILKS, Private Secretary. 


APPENDIX 











48 


appendix d. 


CALCUTTA GAZETTES EXTRAORDINARY. 

Fort William , August , 2 9th, 1803. 

Authentic intelligence has been received at Fort William of the suc¬ 
cessful commencement of operations against Dowlut Rao Scindiah, by the 
forces under the command of major-general Wellesley. On the 8th instant, 
the large fortified pettah of Ahmednuggur was carried by escalade with the 
utmost gallantry and rapidity. This operation was effected immediately upon 
the arrival of the army on its ground before Ahmednuggur, by the advanced 
picquets, reinforced by the flank companies of his Majesty’s 74th and 78th 
regiments, and the 1st battalion of the 3d Madras regiment native Infantry, 
under the command of lieutenat-colonel Harness, the field officer of the day. 

The official advices of this success have not reached Fort William ; but it 
appears by the intelligence received, that the loss sustained on the occasion 
by the British troops amounted to 



| Captains. 

| Subalterns. 

Serjeants. 

Drummers. 

Rank is File 

Total. 

Wounded, 

Killed, 

2 

0 

1 

1 

O 

1 

0 

1 

11 

30 

14 

33 


The names of the officers stated to have been killed in the assault, are 
captains Grant and Humberstone, and lieutenant Anderson, of his Majesty’s 
78th regiment. 

Lieutenant Wilson, of his Majesty’s 74th regiment, and lieutenant Plen- 
derleath, of the 1st Battalion 3d Madras regiment native Infantry, are stated 
to have been wounded. 

Published by command of his Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 














Fort William , August 31, 1803. 

Authentic intelligence has been received at Fort William, of the 
capitulation of the important fortress of Ahmednuggur to the forces under 
the command of major-general Wellesley. 

The fortified pettah having been taken by escalade on the 8th instant, 
batteries were opened on the night of the gth against the fort. 

On the 10th the killedar of the fort requested permission to send an 
officer to confer with major-general Wellesley, and desired at the same time, 
that the fire from the batteries might cease. Maor-jgeneral Wellesley agreed 
to receive an officer from the fort, but refused to interrupt the fire of the 
batteries. 

On the 11 th, the fortress capitulated. 

The terms of the capitulation are, that the garrison should march out 
on the 12th at noon with their arms, and that all private property should 
be saved to the inhabitants. 

Hostages had been delivered into the hands of major-general Wellesley, 
to be detained until the evacuation of the fortress should actually be com¬ 
pleted; and all operations against the fort had ceased on the 11th instant. 

No account has been received of any loss sustained by the British troops 
under the command of major-general Wellesley, since the 8th instant. 

Published by command of 

His excellency the most noble 

The governor-general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to tfe Govt. 


Fort William , Sep. 8, 1803. 

Elis excellency the most noble the governor-general has received a dispatch 
from the honorable major-general Wellesley, of which the following extract 
is published for general information. 

Camp at Ahmednuggur, August 12, 1803. 


My Lord, 

The weather cleared up so much on the 7 th instant, as to allow me to 
march to this place on the 8th. I had in the morning dispatched a mes- 

* G senger 




so 


senger to the killedar of AhmednuggUr, to require him to surrender his 
fort; and, on my arrival in the neighbourhood of the pettah, I offered 
cowle to the inhabitants. This was refused, as the pettah was held by a 
body of Arabs, who were supported by a battalion of Scindiah’s regular in¬ 
fantry, and a body of horse encamped in an open space between the pet¬ 
tah and the fort. 

I immediately attacked the pettah with the picquets of the infantry rein¬ 
forced by the flank companies of the 78th regiment, under the command 
of lieutenant colonel Harness ; in another place with the 74th regiment, 
and first of the 8th, under the command of lieutenant colonel Wallace; and 
in a third with the flank companies of the 74th, and the Its. battalion 3d 
regiment, under the command of captain Vesey. The pettah wall was 
very lofty and 1 defended by towers, and had no rampart, so that when 
the troops had ascended to the attack, they had no ground on which they 
could stand; and the Arabs who occupied the towers, defended their post 
with their usual obstinacy. At length they were obliged to quit the wall 
and fled to the houses, from which they continued a destructive fire 
upon the troops. Scindiah’s regular infantry also attacked our troops after 
they had entered the pettah. In a short time however, after a brisk 
and gallant contest, we were completely masters of it ; but with the loss 
of some brave officers and soldiers, as Your Excellency will perceive by 
the inclosed return. The enemy’s loss was, from the nature of the con¬ 
test, necessarily much greater than ours; and on the night of the 8th, 
all that part of their force, which was # not required for the defence of 
the fort, went off to the northward; including all the Arabs who survi¬ 
ved the contest in the pettah, excepting a small number who attended 
one of their wounded chiefs who could not be removed farther than 
the fort. 

On the Qth, I reconnoitred the ground in the neighbourhood of the fort, 
and on that evening lieutenant colonel W allace, with five companies of 
the 74th regiment, and the 2d batttalion 12th regiment, seized a posi¬ 
tion within four hundred yards of it, on which, in the course of that 
night, a battery was constructed for four guns, to take off the defen¬ 
ces on the side on which I proposed to make the attack. This opened 
at day light on the 10th; and it was s6 advantageously placed, and fired 

with 


51 


with such effect, as to induce the killedar to desire that I should cease 
firing in order that he might send a person to treat for his surrender. In 
my answer I told him, that I should not cease firing, till I should 
have taken the fort, or he should have surrendered it; but that I should 
listen to whatever he was desirous to communicate. 

Yesterday morning he sent out two vakeels to porpose to' surrender the 
fort, on condition that he should be allowed to depart with his garrison, 
and that he should have his private property. 

Although I consented to this proposal, it was five in the evening be¬ 
fore the hostages arrived in camp, without whose presence I refused to 
stop the fire from the British batteries. According to his engagement 
however, the killedar marched out of the fort this morning, with a gar¬ 
rison consisting of 1400 men, and the troops under my command took 
possession of it. 

In this manner has this fort fallen into our hands; our loss since the 
8th has been trifling, which I attribute much to the spirit with which 
our attacks on that day were carried on. 

I have to draw Your Excellency’s notice towards the conduct of the 
troops, particularly on that occasion, and towards lieutenant colonels Har¬ 
ness, Wallace, and Maxwell, who commanded in the trenches, captain 
Beauman commanding the artillery, captain Johnson of the engineers, and 
captain Heitland of the pioneers, in the short subsequent siege. 

Your Excellency ’must be well acquainted with the advantageous situ¬ 
ation of the fort of Ahmednuggur on the frontier of his highness the 
Nizam, covering Poonah, and as an important point of support to 
all our future operations to the northward. It is considered in this 
country as one of its strongest forts; and excepting Vellore in the Car¬ 
natic, is the strongest country fort that I have seen. It is in excel¬ 
lent repair, excepting in the part exposed to the fire of the British troOps. 

I shall hereafter have the honor of transmitting to Your Excellency 
an account of the ordnance, stores, and grain which it contains. 

I have the honor to be. My Lord, 

With the greatest respect, 

Your Excellency’s most obedient. 

And faithful humble servant, 

(Signed) ARTHUR WELLESLEY. 


* G 2 


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53 


Killed, 


Wounded 

(Signed) 


r Captain Grant, 78th regiment, 
j Captain Humberstone, 78th ditto. 

^ Lieutenant Anderson, 78 th ditto, 
f Lieutenant Plenderleath, 1st bat. 3d regt. N. I. 
f Lieutenant Wilson, 74th regiment. 

9 1 Lieutenant Larkins. 


78th ditto. 

R. BARCLAY, 

Depy . Adjt. Genl. in Mysore 
Published by command of his excellency 

The most noble the governor-general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 


GENERAL ORDERS, 

By his Excellency the Most Noble the Governor-General in council. 

Fort William, September 8th, 1803. 

The Governor-general in council having received from major-general the 
honorable Arthur Wellesley, the official account of the reduction of the im¬ 
portant fortress of Ahmednuggur, by the forces under the command of that 
officer, is pleased to signify the high approbation with which his excellency 
in council has observed the judgment, prompitude, and skill manifested by 
major-general Wellesley, in directing the operations of the forces under his 
command on that critical occasion. 

His excellency in council is pleased to direct major-general Wellesly to notify 
to the officers and troops under his command, that the governor-general in 
council has derived the most cordial satisfaction from the distinguished alacrity, 
gallantry, and spirit, which they displayed in the attack upon the pettah, and 
in the subsequent siege of the fort of Ahmednuggur; and the governor-general 
in council has remarked with particular approbation, the conduct of lieutenant 
colonels Harness, Wallace, and Maxwell; of captain Beauman of the artillery; 
of captain Johnson of the engineers; and of captain Heitland of the pio¬ 
neers. 

The governor-general in council deeply laments the loss of captains Grant 
and Humberstone, of lieutenants Anderson and Plenderleath, and of the brave 

soldiers 




54 


soldiers who fell in the successful contest of the 8th of August. The 
memory of those gallant officers and soldiers who have fallen with honor in 
the public service will be regarded with affection and respect, by their sovereign 
and their country. 

By command of his Excellency 

The most noble the Governor general in council, 

L. HOOK, Sec. to the Govt. Mil. Dept. 


Fort William.) September 8th, 1803 . 


A Dispatch, of which the following is an extract, has been received this 
day, by his Excellency the most noble the governor-general, from his 
Excellency the commander in chief. 

To his Excellency the most noble 

MARQUIS WELLESLEY, 

Governor general , &c. &c. &c. 


My Lord, 

I Have the honor to inform your lordship, that I attacked Mr. Perron’s 
force this morning, which was strongly posted with their right extending to 
the fort of Ally Ghur, and their entire front protected by a deep morass, 
which obliged me to change my original plan of attack, and detour considerably 
to the right, to turn their left flank, which I completely effected; dislodging a 
body of troops which were posted in a village in the enemy's front. 

On moving forward with the cavalry in two lines, supported by the line 
of infantry and guns, the enemy immediately retired after a very few shot 
from the cavalry guns, which did some execution. 

Several attempts were made to charge some considerable bodies of cavalry, 
who made an appearance of standing, hut the rapidity of their retreat pre¬ 
vented the possibility of effecting it so completely'as I could have wished; 
but I have reason to believe, that in consequence of the operations of this 
day, many of his confederates have left him. 

My loss in men and horses is very inconsiderable, and no officer. 

I have the pleasure to assure your lordship, that the zeal, activity, and 
steadiness displayed by both officers and men, afforded me entire satisfaction, 
and deserve my warmest praise. 

My 



My staff afforded me every assistance; and I feel myself under great obli¬ 
gations to them. 

From every information I can obtain, immediately on our advancing, 
Mr. Perron, with his body-guard, retired towards Agra, and has left colonel 
Pedron in charge of the fort. 

I am at present encamped to the southward of the fort, and the town of 
Coel is occupied by one of my battalions. 

I have the honor to be, my lord, 

Your lordship’s most faithful and humble servant. 
Head Quarters, (Signed) G. LAKE. 

Camp before Ally Ghur, August 2 Q, 1803. 

Published by command of his excellency 

The most noble the Governor general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 


GENERAL ORDERS, 

By his Excellency the most noble the Governor General in Council. 

Fort William , September %th, 1803 - 

The governor general in council is pleased to offer his most cordial thanks 
and congratulations to his excellency the commander in chief, upon the distin¬ 
guished ability, energy, and success of the conduct of the forces under his excel¬ 
lency’s personal command, in the judicious and gallant attack of the forces under 
the command of Mr. Perron, in the vicinity of Coel, on the 2gth of August. 

His excellency in council has received, with the most sincere pleasure, the 
commander in chief’s report of the zeal, activity, and steadiness, displayed by the 
officers and men, and of the meritorious services of the staff on that important 
occasion. 

The governor general in council is pleased to direct the commander in chief 
to signify to the officers and men employed in the action of the 2Qth of August, 
that the conduct of the army on that day has obtained the high approbation 

of 




of his excellency in council; has confirmed the reputation and honour of the 
British arms in India; and has secured the most important advantages to the 
cause of the allies, in the prosecution of the war, , and in the speedy establishment 
of permanent peace. * > 

By command of his excellency the most noble 
The governor-general in council, 

L. HOOK, Sec. to the Gov . Mil. Dept. 


Fort William , September 9 , 1803 . 

A Dispatch, of which the following is an extract, has been received this day, 
by his excellency the most noble the governor-general, from his excellency the 
commander in chief: 

My Lord, 

It is with infinite satisfaction I inform your lordship, that the inhabitants of this 
part of the country are coming in fast, and manifest a wish of being protected by 
the British government, and that in consequence of my having caused it to be 
made known to the head men of the villages in this neighbourhood, that it is not 
my intention to molest either the persons or properties of such of the inhabitants 
as shall claim my protection, I have the pleasure to say, that the people who had 
deserted the town of Coel on our approach yesterday, are returning fast to their 
houses, and the town is nearly repeopled; indeed they have every reason to be 
satisfied, as the instant this position was gained, a battalion was posted in Coel to 
prevent plunder, by which means very little loss was sustained by the inhabitants. 

I learn, from all quarters, that most of the enemy’s cavalry who opposed us 
yesterday, have returned to their homes, declaring their inability to oppose 
the English. 

From every account I can receive, the number of cavalry opposed to us 
amounted to fifteen or twenty thousand. 

The country in our rear is in a state of perfect tranquillity, nor has it been 
molested by a single horseman. 


I have 




57 


I have sent into the fort a summons in English and French, which will, I trust, 
have the desired effect. 


I have the honour to be, 


My Lord, 

Your Lordship’s most faithful 
And humble servant, 

Head Quarters, (Signed) G. LAKE. 

Camp before Ally Ghur, August 30, 1803. 


Published by command of his Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, chief Sec. to the Gov. 


Fort William, September 10th, 1803 . 

To CAPTAIN LIONEL HOOK, 

Sec. to the Govt. Mil. Dept, 

Sir, 

I Have the honor, by order of the commander in chief, to forward to you, 
for the information of his Excellency the most noble the Governor general 
in council, a return of the killed, and wounded, and missing, in the action 
which took place yesterday, between the British army and that of general Perron. 

I have the honor to be, 


SIR, 

Your obedient Servant, 

D. OCHTERLONY, 

Dep. Adj. Gen. 


* H 

* 


Head Quarters, 

Camp at Coel, August, 1803. 




58 


Return of the Killed, Wounded, and Missing, in the Second and 
Third Brigades of Cavalry. 

Camp at Coel, August 29, 1803, 


r Killed 

27 th Dragoons Wounded 

(_ Missing 
f Killed 

2 d Native Cavalry J Wounded 
(.Missing 
r Killed 

3d Native Cavalry J Wounded 
s (.Missing 

C 29 th Dragoons Wounded 

) 1 st Native Cavalry Wounded 

14th Native Cavalry (w“ de d 


4 12 


TOTAL. 


Killed.Men.. 1 

.Horses 3 

Wounded .. Men.. 4 

.Horses 8 

Missing.. .. HorseslO 


Published by command of his Excellency 

The most noble the Governor-general in council. 

L. HOOK, Sec. to the Govt. Mil. Dept, 


Fort William , September 1 5th, 1803. 

A Dispatch, of which the following is a copy, has been received this day, 
by his Excellency the most noble the governor general, from his excellency 
the commander in chief. 

TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE MOST NOBLE 

MARQUIS WELLESLEY, 

GOVERNOR GENERAL, &C. &C. &C. 


My Lord, 

It is with inexpressible satisfaction that I have the honor to report to your 
lordship, the capture of the fort of Ally Ghur this morning by assault. 


























59 


Having spent some days in fruitless endeavours to save the unnecessary 
effusion of blood, on finding that the natives persisted obstinately in their 
determination of resistance, and rejected every overture I made, I found 
myself under the necessity of determining on some decisive measure, and 
after maturely considering the probability of success with the obstacles that 
opposed us, I judged it preferable to carry it by assault, than to lose time 
by the slower operations of a siege. 

In consequence of this resolution, I ordered the honorable lieutenant-colonel 
Monson to lead the attack', composed of four companies of his Majesty’s 
7fith regiment, and the 1st battalion of the 4th regiment native infantry under 
lieutenant-colonel Browne, with a detachment of the 17th native regiment 
under captain Bagshaw. 

* Colonel Horsford, of the artillery, covered their advance by a heavy fire 
from batteries in situations which had been previously determined on. 

I attribute the success of this attack entirely to the gallantry and steady 
conduct displayed by the honorable lieutenant-colonel Monson, in leading on 
his men under a most galling fire of musquetry and grape against a fort 
hitherto deemed impregnable, and defended on all sides with the utmost 
obstinacy. 

It would be injustice in me were I not to mention the distinguished 
bravery of the men of his Majesty’s 76th regiment, who, notwithstanding 
the loss of many of their officers, steadily persevered till the attainment of 
their object was effected. 

To colonel Browne, of the 1st battalion of the 4th regiment, who has re¬ 
ceived a severe wound, and to the whole of the officers of that battalion, 
whose exertions on this occasion were most meritorious, my praise is justly due. 

To major Me. Leod, who gallantly led the 76th regiment after colonel 
Monson was wOunded, and to captain Shipton, of the artillery, who had charge 
of the guns that forced the gate, both of whom, though wounded, still re¬ 
mained at their post, I feel myself much indebted. 

To colonel Horsford, who commanded the artillery, as well as to captain 
Robertson and Greene, who commanded the covering batteries, I feel myself 
under the infinite obligations, and indeed that whole corps merit my warmest 
praise for the gallantry displayed on this occasion, as well as on every other 
in which they have been engaged. 


* H 2 


It 


do 


It is with extreme sorrow I lament the loss of many valuable officers of 
his majesty’s 76th regiment, and also of the honorable Company’s service. 

I am sorjy to add, that colonel Monson’s wound is dangerous; and I 
fear I shall at all events, be deprived of the services of this gallant officer for 
some time. 

I shall have the honor to forward to your lordship, as soon as possible, 
returns of the killed and wounded, officers and men, under my command ; which, 
considering the nature of the attack, are as few as could be expected. 

I feel I shall be wanting in justice to the merits of Mr. Lucan, an officer, 
a native of Great Britain, who lately quitted the service of Scindiah to avoid 
serving against his country, were I not to recommend him to your lordship’s 
particular attention. He gallantly undertook to lead colonel Monson to the 
gate, and point out the road through the. fort, which he effected in a 
most gallant manner, and colonel Monson has reported, having received infi¬ 
nite benefit from his service. If you deem him worthy of any mark 
of your Excellency’s favor, it will afford me great satisfaction if his services 
are rewarded by government. 

I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

Your lordship’s most faithful humble servant. 

(Signed) G. LAKE. 

Head Quarters, Camp Ally-Ghur, September 4, 1803. 

P. S. I have the honor to enclose correct returns of the officers killed 
and wounded in the attack this morning. 

M. Pedron, who commanded in the fort, is our prisoner. He was the only 
European in the garrison. 

(Signed) G. LAKE. 


Copy of the First Brigade Return of Killed, Wounded, and Missing, 
4th September, 1803. 

HIS MAJESTY’S 76th REGIMENT. 

'•' w Killed .Captain Cameron, 


Killed. 







(>i 


Killed... Lieutenant Fleming, 

.Browne, 

.Campbell, 

Lieutenant and adjutant St. Aubin. 

Number of Men Killed ,, not known. 

Wounded.. Honorable Lieut. Col. Monson, 

Major Me. Leod. 

Lieutenant Sinclair, 

Ensign Fraser, 

Forty Men as yet ascertained. 

FIRST BATTALION 4th REGIMENT NATIVE INFANTRY. 

Killed .Lieutenant John Turton, 

Wounded .Lieutenant Col. Browne, 

Captain Berry, 

Lieutenant Andre, 

Ensign Burgess, 

Number of Sepoys killed and wounded , not yet known. 

SECOND BATTALION 4th REGIMENT NATIVE INFANTRY. 

Being in the Forty as yet not knoivn. 

SECOND BATTALION 17th REGIMENT NATIVE INFANTRY. 

Wounded .Captain Bagshaw, 

Lieutenant Boscowan, 

Number of Sepoys Killed and Wounded , not yet ascertained. 

ARTILLERY. 

Wounded .Captain Shipton, 

Number of Men Killed and Wounded , not yet ascertained. 

(Signed) G. A. F. LAKE, Mil. Sec. 

Published by command of his Excellency 

The most noble the Governor general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 

GENERAL 








62 


GENERAL ORDERS 

By his Excellency the most noble the Governor general in council. 

Fort William, Sept. 15, 1803. 

The governor-general in council, under the strongest impressions of public 
gratitude, notifies to the army, his unfeigned admiration of the distin¬ 
guished conduct of the forces employed under the personal command of his 
excellency general Lake, in , the gallant and successful assault of the strong 
fort of Ally Ghur on the 4th instant. 

The proposals of surrender offered by the commander in chief to the garri¬ 
son immediately after the retreat of Mr. Perrons forces, afford the most 
convincing proof, that the humanity of the British character is intimately 
connected with that spirit of alacrity and valour which marked the comman¬ 
der in chief’s judicious resolution, to meet the obstinacy of the enemy by an 
immediate assault of the place. 

The judgement and energy manifested by the commander in chief in the plan 
of the attack, correspond with the intrepidity, spirit, and perseverance of his 
brave officers and soldiers, in executing the orders of their able and gallant 
general: and the glorious result of the assault has considerably augmented 
the reputation of the British name and the honor of the British arms in India. 

The governor-general in council is pleased to direct the commander in chief, 
to express the particular and most distinguished approbation, with which his 
Excellency in council has viewed the courage, firmness, and ability, dis¬ 
played by the honorable lieutenant-colonel Monson in leading the attack, 
under circumstances of the utmost degree of difficulty and danger. A strong 
sense of the interests of the public service, and a desire to witness a con¬ 
tinuance of the glorious success of the British arms in India, render the 
governor, general in council sincerely anxious, that this excellent officer 
(repeatedly distinguished by his conduct in various exigencies of the service) 
may speedily be enabled to resume the command of his gallant corps, and 
to augment his claims upon the gratitude and applause of his country. 

The governor-general in council also directs the commander in chief to 
signify to lieutenant-colonel Browne, of the 1st battalion 4th regiment native 
infantry, and to all the officers of that battalion, that his excellency in coun¬ 
cil entertains the highest sense of their meritorious exertions, and warmly 
approves their honorable services. 


The 


63 


r 


The governor-general in council also desires, that his particular approba¬ 
tion may be signified to major Me. Leod of the 76th regiment, to captain 
Shipton of the artillery, and also to lieutenant colonel Horsford, captains 
Robertson and Greene. 

It is with the greatest satisfaction that the governor-general in council 
expresses his applause of the bravery, discipline and steadiness, of the men of 
his Majesty’s 76th regiment, and of the corps of artillery, as well as of all the 
soldiers, who were employed on this brilliant service 

The loss of captain Cameron, lieutenants Fleming, Browne, Campbell; St. 
Aubin, and Turton, is deplored by the governor-general in council. Their 
country, their friends, and their king, will however receive consolation for that 
loss, in reflecting upon the glory of their atchievements, and upon the public 
advantage of their illustrious example. 

♦ The governor-general in council directs the commander in chief to signify 
to Mr. Lucan, the apprQbation with which his excellency in council has re¬ 
marked the services rendered by that gentleman to the cause of his native 
country, in the spirited exertion of British courage and public zeal. It is 
highly satisfactory to his excellency in council to observe, this meritorious 
example of a just attention to the duty which every British subject owes to 
the British government in India. The governor-general in council will not 
fail to reward the services of Mr. Lucan, in such manner as shall be re¬ 
commended by the commander in chief. 

The governor-general in council relies with confidence on the approved 
character of this army, and of the commander in chief, that their unabated 
magnanimity, skill, and perseverance will be attended with a continuance of 
success, proportionate to the justice of our cause, and to the superiority of 
our arms. 

By command of his Excellency the most noble 
The governor-general in council, 

L. HOOK, Sec. to Govt . Mil. Dept. 


Fort 


<3t 


Fort William, September 16 , 1803 . 

The following correct return of the killed and wounded at the assault of Ally- 
Ghur, received this day from His Excellency the Commander in Chief, is pub¬ 
lished for general information: 

Return of the Killed and Wounded , at the Assault of Ally Ghur, on 
the Morning of the 4 th of September , 1803 . 


, , ■ \ 

| Lieutenant Colonels. | 

\ Majors. 

| Captains. 

| Lieutenants. 

3 

.bp 

.W 

co 

c5 ; 

! 

CO 

| Jemadars. 

| Serjeants & Havildars.l 

| Drummers. 

Rank and File. 

| Tindals. 

| Lascars. 

| Bheastees. 

| Bullock-men. 

(5 

U 

O 

5* 

27th Dragoons 

Wounded . 

r Killed . 










2 

2 

1 

3 



6 

Artillery 

(.Wounded . 

c Killed . 



1 

1 

4 




4 

• 

7 

15 


1 




76th Regiment 

\ Wounded . 

1 

1 


1 

1 



3 

1 

58 






r Killed . 



1 


1 


1 


16 






1st Bat. 4th N. Reg. 

\ Wounded . 

1 


1 

1 

1 



3 

1 

69 







f Killed . 









2 






2d Bat. 4th N. Reg. 

\ Wounded . 




1 






12 






r Killed . 










8 






4 Comps. 17th Reg. 

\ Wounded . 



1 

1 



2 

4 


32 





















Total Killed and Wounded. .. 

2 

1 

4 

8 

2 

1 

2 

15 

2 

223 

1 

4 



6 




1 

5 


1 


5 


43 

1 

3 





2 

1 

3 

3 

2 


2 

id 

2 

180 


1 



6 


Names of Officers, killed and wounded. 


Artillery .Captain Shipton, wounded 

76 th Regiment .Killed—Captain Cameron •, Lieutenants Fleming, Browne, Camp¬ 

bell, and Lieutenant and Adjutant St. Aubin. 

.Wounded—The Hon. Lieutenant Colonel Monson, Major 

Mac Leod, Lieutenant Sinclair, and Ensign Fraser. 

1 st Bat- 4 th Reg .Killed—Lieutenant Turton. 

.Wounded—Lieutenant Colonel Browne, Capt. Berrie, Lieutenant 

Andre, and Ensign Burgess. 

4 Comps. 17 th Regt .Wounded—Captain Bagshaw, and Lieutenant Boscawen. 

J. GERARD, Adj. Gen . 


Published by command of his Excellency, 

The most noble the Governor-general, in council, 

J. LTJMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 



























































65 


Fort WilliatH , Sept. 18, 1803. 

Dispatches were this day received by the Governor general, from 
his Excellency the commander in chief, dated from camp at Soomna on 
the 7 th of September, by which it appears, that M. Perron, late com¬ 
mander of the forces of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, having resigned the ser¬ 
vice of that chieftain, had applied by letter dated the 5 th September, for 
permission to pass with his family, property, and the officers of his suite, 
to Lucnow, through the territories of the honorable Company, and of 
the Nawaub Vizer, and had also applied for a sufficient escort to be 
composed either of British troops, or of his own body guard. His 
Excellency general Lake had immediately complied with M. Perrons 
request, and had accordingly permitted that officer to proceed through 
the British territories, attended by a British officer, who had been 
appointed to meet M. Perron on the frontier, and to conduct him to 
Lucnow. His Excellency general Lake had also permitted M. Perron to 
be escorted by his own body guard, and had provided for the reception 
of M. Perron in the Company’s territories, and those of the Nawaub 
Vizier, with every mark of respect and honour. 

Published by Command of His Excellency 

The Most Noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 


Fort William.) Sept. 21, 180S. 

On the 2d instant, a body of predatory horse, commanded by a 
French officer, attacked the Cantonment of Shekoabad on the frontier of 
the district of Etawah. The British forces at that post, consisting of 
five companies of the first battalion eleventh regiment native infantry, 
with one gun, under the command of lieutenant-colonel Coningham, 
continued to resist the attack of the enemy’s cavalry during the grekter 
part of the day, with great resolution and spirit, and at length suc¬ 
ceeded in repulsing the enemy. The enemy appear to have suffered 
considerably, and to have lost several officers on this occasion. The 
conduct of lieutenant-colonel Coningham, and of the troops under his 
command, on this occasion, received the high approbation of his Excellency 
the commander in chief, expressed in general orders. 

On the 4th instant, lieutenant-colonel Coningham was again attacked 

*1 by 




66 


by the enemy’s troops, to whom he opposed a spirited resistance for 
some hours; but having reason to believe that their number was so con¬ 
siderable as to render further resistance ineffectual, he surrendered, on 
condition that his detachment should be permitted to march to Cawnpore, 
with their arms and ammunition, and the gun attached to the corps; 
that all private property should be protected, and that the detachment should 
not serve during the war with Dowlut Rao Scindiah. These terms were 
faithfully observed by the enemy, and the detachment accordingly marched to 
Cawnpore. 

His Excellency the commander in chief on the night of the 4th inst detached 
a force to Shekoabad. Intelligence has been received of the arrival of that 
force at the place of its destination ; and the retreat of the whole of the enemy’s 
troops from the Company’s dominions. 

The following are the names of the officers wounded in the attack on 
Shekoabad: 

Lieutenant colonel Conningham. 

Captain Lambome. 

Captain Winbolt.Artillery. 

Lieutenant Stoneham. 

Ensign Heysham. 

The number of Sepoys stated to be killed and wounded, is sixty three. 

Published by command of his Excellency 

The most noble the governoi general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 


Fort William , September 23, 1803. 

A Dispatch, of which the following is a copy, has been received this 
day, by his Excellency the most noble the governor general, from his Excel¬ 
lency the commander in chief. 

To his Excellency the most noble Marquis Wellesley, Gov. gen. &c. &c. 

Fort William. 

My Lord, 

I have the satisfaction to inform your lordship, that after a march of eighteen 
miles this morning, I learnt that the enemy in great force, under Mr. Louis, had 
crossed the Jumna from Delhi, with the intention of attacking us. 


When 





67 


When we had encamped, we found oar outposts were attacked by a body of 
the enemy. On reconnoitring to our front, I found that the enemy’s whole 
army were drawn up in order of battle. I immediately ordered out the whole line, 
and advanced to attack them in front. 

The enemy opposed to us a tremendous fire from a numerous artillery, which 
was uncommonly well served, and caused us considerable loss in officers and men ; 
but I have the satisfaction to add, that our advance, under a most heavy can¬ 
nonade, and actual charge of the enemy, at about one hundred paces distance, 
caused a most precipitate retreat, and left in our possession the whole of their • 
artillery. 

The cavalry pursued the fugitives to the Jumna, making great havock, and 
numbers were drowned in attempting to cross. 

In short, I have only to express my entire approbation of the gallantry of the 
troops under my command during the whole of this most brilliant action, and 
shall have the honor to detail it more particularly to-morrow, which the lateness 
of the hour prevents me doing at present. 

The whole army was under arms from three this morning till this moment. 

I have the honor to be, my lord. 

Your lordship’s most faithful, humble servant. 
Head Quarters, (Signed) G. LAKE. 

Camp opposite Delhi , half-past seven , P. M. Sept. 11, 1803, 

Published by command of his excellency 

The most noble the governor-general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 


■Mm ‘William, September 24, 1803. 

A Dispatch, of which the following is a copy, has been received this day, 
by his Excellency the most noble the governor-general, from his Excellency the 
commander in chief. 


* I 1 


To 




(38 


To his Excellency the most noble Marquis Wellesley , &c. &c. &c. 

My Lord, Tort William. 

My letter of yesterday will have informed your lordship of the total defeat of 
the force under Mr. Louis. The lateness of the hour prevented my detailing the 
operations of the day as fully as I could have wished. 

I cannot find terms sufficiently strong to express the high sense I entertain of 
the gallant services performed by the whole of the officers and men in the army 
under my command. 

When the length of our march (upwards of eighteen miles) is considered, the 
fatigue the whole army underwent, and that we were exposed to a most galling 
fire from the enemy of grape and chain shot, while advancing in line, the opera¬ 
tions of yesterday must ever reflect the highest credit on all descriptions of troops 
engaged, and cannot fail of striking the enemy with a dread of our army, and 
prove to them, that opposition to such superior discipline and courage is useless. 

To major-general Ware, who commanded the right wing, and to the honorable 
major-general St. John, who commanded the left, I feel myself under infinite obli¬ 
gations. The former, I am sorry to say, received a very severe contusion while 
advancing with the right wing. 

Major-general St. John was opposed to the enemy’s right. The steadiness and 
ability displayed by the honorable the major-general, quickly surmounted every 
difficulty, and forced the enemy to retire in disorder with very heavy loss. 

To colonel St. Leger, who commanded the cavalry, my warmest praises are due. 
The steadiness and gallantry of the whole corps, both Europeans and natives, 
under a formidable fire of artillery, does them infinite honor. 

After the gallant and steady charge of his Majesty’s 76 th regiment, led by 
captain Boyce, and the whole of the infantry line, who advanced to within one 
hundred paces of the enemy without taking their firelocks from their shoulders, 
when they fired a volley, and rushed on with the bayonet with a determination 
nothing could resist, and forced the enemy to abandon their formidable artillery. 
Colonel St. Leger, with the cavalry under his command, moved rapidly forward, 
when a dreadful slaughter ensued. By a well-timed manoeuvre of the colonel’s in 
intercepting their retreat to the Jumna, much execution was done; the enemy’s 
confusion was such, that many were drowned ill attempting to cross the river. 

To 




To colonel Horsford, and every officer of the corps of artillery, I feel myself 
infinitely indebted for their 'meritorious exertions on this occasion. 

The number of the enemy’s guns already collected, is between fifty and sixty, 
and I expect many more before the evening. I shall have the honor to forward 
a regular return of the enemy’s ordnance to-morrow. 

I have to lament the loss of many officers and men killed and wounded in this 
action, returns of which shall be transmitted for your lordship’s information. 

From the extreme heat and fatigue, that both officers and men experienced, 

I have to regret the loss of major Middleton of the 3d native cavalry, and cornet 
Sanguine of the 27 th light dragoons, as well as of several European soldiers, who 
fell from the effects of the sun. 

I have to lament the loss of captain Robert Mac Gregor (Persian interpreter 
in the field), who fell when advancing in a gallant style. 

The consequences of this victory are the evacuation of the city and forts of 
Delhi, and the dispersion of the enemy in all directions. 

At the earnest request of his majesty, who is anxious to put himself under the 
protection of the British government, I shall cross the river with my army as soon 
as a sufficient number of boats can be procured. 

My staff, as usual, conducted themselves to my entire satisfaction, and merit 
my warmest approbation. 

I have the honor to be, my lord. 

Your lordship’s most faithful, humble servant, 
(Signed) G. LAKE. 


Head Quarters, 

Camp , Delhi Ghaut , September 12 , 1803. 


Killed by the effects of the Sun. 

Major Middleton.3d Native Cavalry. 

Cornet Sanguine.27th Light* Dragoons* 

Killed in Action. 

Lieutenant Hill.12th Native Infantry. 

Lieutenant Preston... 15th Native Infantry. 

Lieutenant Alden, 

Captain Mac Gregor. 


Wounded. 








70 


Wounded. 

Captain Cove'll. 27 th Light Dragoons. 

Cornet Crowe ...2d Native Cavalry. 

Cornet Mather.,.2d Native Cavalry. 

Cornet Swindell ...3d Native Cavalry. 

Lieutenant Mac Donald .76th Foot. 

Lieutenant Wrottesley.2d Battalion 2d Regiment. 

Captain Mathews.Artillery. 

The above is the most correct return that has yet been received. 
Published by command of his Excellency 

The most noble the governor-general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt . 


Fort William , September 23, 1803. 

A Dispatch, of which the following is a copy, has beeen received this day 
by his Excellency the most noble the governor-general, from his Excellency the 
commander in chief. 

To his Excellency the most noble Marquis Wellesley , Gov. gen. &c. &c. 

My Lord, 

For your lordship’s information, I have the honor to inclose a list of the killed 
and wounded, officers and men, of the army under my command, in the action 
of the 11th instant. 

Your lordship will perceive, that our loss has been very great; but, when 
I consider that we moved on against an immense artillery of nearly one hundred 
pieces of cannon, and many of a very large calibre, under as heavy a fire as I have 
ever been witness too; and that this fire was directed against a line consisting, on 
the most correct calculation, of not more than four thousand five hundred men, 
including cavalry, artillery, and infantry ; and that we were opposed by upwards 
of four times that number, it is no longer a matter of surprize. 

It is necessary to remark, that we had only one brigade of cavalry, consisting of 
the 27th light dragoons, and the 2d and 3d regiments of native cavalry; the 
other brigades being detatched for the protection of our own provinces. 


The 











n 


The more I reflect on the glorious affair of die nth, the more forcibly I fed 
the bravery and intrepidity displayed by every individual composing my army. 
I cannot find words to express my feelings on this occasion; nor can I sufficiently 
lament the loss of many brave fellows who have fallen. 

I have the honor to be, my Lord, 

Your lordship’s most faithful, humble servant, 
(Signed) G. LAKE. 

Head Quarters, Camp near Delhi Ghaut, Sept. 13, 1803. 


Return of the Killed, Wounded, and Missing, in the action of 
September 11, 1803. 

27th Dragoons. Killed, 1 cornet, 1 quarter-master, 1 serjeant, 9 privates; horses, troop 22, 
officer’s 1, quarter-master’s 1.—Wounded, 1 captain-lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 17 privates; 
horses, troop 22, officer’s 1.—Missing, 1 private; horses, troop 24, officer’s 3. —Total 
killed, wounded, and missing—men 32, horses 74. 

Artillery. Killed, 1 serjeant, 1 corporal, 1 matross, 1 lascar. — Wounded, 1 captain, 
1 serjeant, 1 corporal, 2 gunners, 8 matrosses, 2 serangs, 13lascars.—Missing, 1 gunner 
1 lascar.—Total 34. 

2d Regiment Native Cavalry. Killed, 15 horses—Wounded, 2 cornets, 1 naik. 14 pri¬ 
vates, 16 horses.—Missing, 5 horses.—Total killed, wounded, and missing—men 17, 
horses 36. 

Sd Regiment Native Cavalry. Killed, 1 major, 1 halvildar, 5 troopers, 28 horses. 
Wounded, 1 cornet, 1 Jemadar, 1 naik, 9 troopers, 20 horses.—Missing, 12 horses. 
Total killed, wounded, and missing—men 19, horses 60. 

76th Foot. Killed 2 serjeants, 3 corporals, 29 privates. — Wounded, 1 lieutenant, 1 ser¬ 
jeant, 3 corporals, 93 privates.—Missing, 1 corporal, 5 privates.—Total killed, wounded, 
and missing, 138. 

2nd Battalion 4th Regiment. Killed, 2 havildars, 1 naik, 9 sepoys.—Wounded, 1 
lieutenant, 2 subadars, 2 havildars, 4 naiks, 1 drummer, 69 sepoys.—Total killed and 
wounded 91. 

2nd Battalion 12th Regiment. Killed, 1 lieutenant, 1 subadar, 2 havildars, 1 naik, 
3 drummers, 11 sepoys.—Wounded, 1 subadar, 1 havildar, 2 naiks, 32 sepoys, 1 bishty. 
Total killed and wounded, 56. 

1st Battalion 15th Regiment. Killed, 1 subadar, 3 sepoys. — Wounded, 3 havildars, 

1 naik, 8 sepoys.—-Total killed and wounded 16. 

2nd Battalion 15th Regiment. Killed 1 Lieutenant, 1 drummer, 5 sepoys. — Wound¬ 
ed, 9 sepoys.—Total killed and wounded 16. 


1st 




72 

1 st Battalion 2nd Regiment. Killed, 1 havildar, 1 naik, 1 sepoy—Wounded, 1 lieu¬ 
tenant, 1 havildar, 1 naik, 12 sepoys.—Total killed and wounded 18. 

2nd Battalion 2 nd Regiment. Killed, 2 havildars, 4 sepoys.—Wounded, 2 lieu¬ 
tenants, 1 havildar, 1 naik, 18 sepoys.—Total killed and wounded 28. 

1st Battalion, 14th Regiment. Wounded, 1 havildar, 12 sepoys. 

Total Europeans Killed , Wounded , and Missing. 

Killed. 1 major, 1 captain, 2 lieutenants 1 cornet, 1 quarter-master, 4 serjeants, 4 
corporals, 39 privates.—"Wounded. 1 captain, 1 captain lieutenant, 4 lieutenants, 

3 cornets, 3 serjeants, 4 corporals, 2 gunners, 118 privates.—Missing, 1 corporal, 

1 gunner, 6 privates.—Total killed, wounded, and missing 197. 

Total Natives Killed , Wounded and Missing. 

Killed. 2 subadars, 8 havildars, 3 naiks, 38 privates, 4 drummers, l Lascar.—Wounded. 
3 subadars, l jemadar, 9 havildars, 11 naiks, 191 privates, l drummer, 2 serangs, 13 
lascars, 1 bhisty.—Total natives killed and wounded 288. 


Horses Killed.67 

Wounded .59 

Missing .47 


Total Horses... 173 

Names of Officers Killed and Wounded in the Action of the 11 th inst. 

Killed. Major Middleton, 3 d regiment cavalry;—captain Mac Gregor, Persian inter¬ 
preter in the field;—lieutenant Hill, 2 nd battalion 12 th regiment;—lieutenant Preston, 
2 nd battalion 15th regiment;—cornet Sanguine, 27 th dragoons;—and, quartermaster 
R. Richardson, 27th dragoons. 

Wounded. Major general Ware;—captain Mathews, Artillery;—captain lieutenant 
Covell, 27th dragoons;—lieutenant Me. Donald, 76th regiment;—lieutenant Wrot- 
tesley, 2 d battalion 4 th regiment;—lieutenants Alden and Harriot, 2 d battalion 
2 d regiment;—cornets Croswe and Mather, 2 nd regiment cavalry;—cornet Swindell, 
3d regiment cavalry. 

Signed) J. GERRARD, Adj. Gen , 
Published by command of his Exellency, 

The most noble the governor general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Bee. to the Govt. 

Fort 





Fort William , September 18, l803. 

A Dispatch, of which the following is an extract, has been received this 
day by his excellency the most noble the governor-general, from his excellency 
the commander in chief. 

To His Excellency the Most Noble Marquis Wellesley, Gov. Gen. Sic. 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to inform your lordship, that the army this morning 
commenced crossing the Jumma. I trust the whole will be on the opposite 
bank by the evening of the third day from hence. 

In consequence of the delay occasioned in preparing the necessary presents, 
I shall not visit His Majesty until the l6th instant. 

I have the pleasure to inform your lordship, that colonel Macan has re¬ 
ported to me, that he took possession of the fort of Firozabad on the gth 
instant. 

My letter of the 7 th will have have informed your lordship of Mr. Perron’s 
application for leave to pass through the honorable Company’s territories on 
his way to Lucknow. I have the honor to inform your lordship, that 
Mr. Perron, accompanied by Messrs. Beckett and Fleury, passed Sarsnee on 
the 12th instant; the latter gentleman, who with some difficulty joined 
Mr. Perron, informed colonel Ball, that the horse he had under his com¬ 
mand had dispersed. 

I learn from all quarters, that the dispersion of the force that opposed 
me on the 11th, is most complete ; and I expect shortly to have it in 
my power to inform your lordship, that Monsieur Bourquain, alias Louis, 
and the other French officers in his army, have delivered themselves up, as they 
have already requested to be allowed to throw themselves upon the protection 
of the British government 

I have the honor to be. My Lord, 

Your lordship’s most faithful humble servant, 

(Signed) G. L A K E. 

Head Quarters, Camp, Delhi, Sep. 14, 18G3. 

Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the governor-general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Gov . 

* K 


H 

Fort William, September 28, 1803. 

A Dispatch, of which the following is a copy, has been received this 
day by his Excellency the most noble the governor-general, from His Ex- 
cellency the commander in chief. 

To his Excellency the Most Noble Marquis Wellesley, &c. &c. 

My Lord, 

I Have the pleasure to inform your lordship, that Messrs. Bourquain, 
Geslin, Guerinmier, Del. Perron, and Jean Pierre, yesterday delivered them- 
selves up prisoners. 

They reside for the present in the fort under a guard. I shall however 
dispatch them in a few days' under an escort to Futty-Ghur, from whence 
they will embark for the presidency. 

I have the honor to inform your lordship, that I intend paying my first 
visit to his Majesty to-morrow morning. 

I have the honor to be, See. &c. &c. 

(Signed) G. LAKE. 

Head Quarters, Delhi, Sep. 15, 1803. 

Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the governor general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 


Fort William, October 1, 1803. 

A Dispatch, of which the following is an extract, was yesterday received 
by His Excellency the most noble the governor-general, from His Excel¬ 
lency the commander in chief. 

To His Excellency the most noble Marquis Wellesley Gov. gen. &c. 

My Lord, 

I Have the honor to inform your lordship, that in consequence of the 
hour fixed upon by his Majesty, I yesterday, attended by the chief officers 
of the army, waited on his Majesty at his palace in the fort. 

Akber Shah, His Majesty’s eldest son, came to my camp to conduct me. 

His 




75 


His Majesty received me seated on his throne, when the presents were 
delivered, and the forms usual on those occasions were observed. 

His Majesty and his whole court were unanimous in testifying their joy 
at the change that has taken place in their fortunes. 

I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

Your lordship’s most faithful humble servant, 

(Signed) G. LAKE. 

Head Quarters , Camp Delhi y Sep. l7, 1803. 

Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the governor-general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt . 


Fort William , October 3, 1803* 

Dispatches, of which the following are copies, have been received by His 
Excellency the most noble the governor-general, from His Excellency the 
commander in chief. 

To his Excellency the most noble Marquis 1Vellesley y Gov. Gen. 

My Lord, 

I Have the honor to inclose, for your lordship’s information, a return of 
the ordnance found in the fort of Ally Ghur, captured on the 4th instant. 

The condition of the guns, number of arms and accoutrements, quantity 
of powder, military stores, &c. have not yet been ascertained; but I have 
left captain Best, an officer of artillery, in the garrison, who will, as soon 
as possible, send me exact returns, wffiich I shall have the honor to forward 
4o your lordship. 

I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

Your lordship’s most faithful humble servant, 

(Signed) G. LAKE. 

Head Quarters , Camp near Coorjah y Sept. 8, 1803. 


*K2 


To 




76 

Return of the Ordnance , &c. captured in the Fort of Ally Ghur, 
on the 4th of September y 1803. 


PLACES WHERE MOUNTED. 

Guns 

N 

o 

X 

C/5 

u 

rt 

O 

§ 

W. pieces 

|Brass| 

[Iron. 1 

C/5 

03 

U 

CO 

CO 

Ct 

cq 

& 

o 

u 

On the Rounee, or Faussebraye ; and circular work before the Gates. 






Brass guns, from eleven-pounders to nine-pounders . 

22 





Iron ditto, from ten-pounders to two-pounders. 


11 







4 



On the Bastions. 






Brass guns, from twenty-pounders to six-pounders. 

6 





Iron ditto, from seventeen-pounders to three-pounders. 


8 




On the Curtains. 






Iron guns (the calibre not taken). 


21 




Brass mortars, nine-and-one-third-inch. 




1 


In the Arsenal Tardy and not mounted. 






Brass guns, from three-pounders to two pounders . 

3 






2 





Iron guns, from thirteen-pounders to two-pounders. 


16 






4 




Brass mortars, eleven-inch. . . 




1 


T 11 rxto/'OO 





182 







Total of the captured guns, & c. 

33 60 

4 

2 

182 


N B. There was not sufficient time to ascertain the exact condition of 
the above ordnance, so as to pronounce them serviceable, or unserviceable. 

In the Arsenal yard is abundance of shot for the above guns, and some 
stone shells; but neither of them are yet counted. 

In the Magazine is a large quantity of gunpowder, not yet weighed. 

In the Arsenal is a great number of new arms and some accoutrements. 
Part of the arms are made after the European, and part after the country 
fashion; the exact number of each not yet known. 

In the Store Rooms are military stores of various kinds, but not at pre¬ 
sent examined. 

(Signed) JOHN HORSFORD, L. Col Com. Art. in the field .. 

To 



























77 


To his Excellency the most noble Marquis Wellesley Gov. Gen . & 

My Lord, 

For your Lordship’s information I have the honor to transmit a return of 
ordnance, &c. taken from the enemy on the llth instant. 

From the reports of the officer commanding the artillery, the whole of 
this ordnance is remarkably fine; as will be more fully pointed out to your 
lordship by the remarks of colonel Horsford annexed to the return. 

The whole of this artillery played on our line as we advanced. 

I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

Your lordship’s most faithful humble servant, 
(Signed) G. LAKE. 

Head Quarters, Delhi , Sept. 18, 1803. 

Report of the Ordnance , &c. captured opposite Delhi , on the 11 th of 
September , 1803; the whole mounted on field carriages, with 
limbers and traces complete. 

2 Brass, 20 pounders, 

5 ditto, 18 pounder carronades, 

3 ditto, if) pounder ditto, 

3 Iron, 12 pounders, (French), 

14 Brass, 6 pounders, 

1 Iron, 6 pounder, 

, 23 Brass, 4 pounders, 

5 ditto 3 ditto, 

4 3 ditto, 

] Brass, 8-inch mortar, 

1 ditto 8-inch howitzer, 

4 ditto 6-inch ditto, 

2 ditto 5 f ditto. 

68 Pieces of cannon, of different natures. 

37 tumbrils complete, laden with ammunition 

24 ditto ditto ditto ditto, blown up on the field of battle. 

6l tumbrils complete, laden with ammunition. 

N. B. Many tumbrils and ammunition carriages abandoned by the enemy 
in the Jumnah and Nullah, not included above. 


The 





7 $ 


REMARKS. 

The whole of the preceding ordnance appears e J serviceable,” except one iron 
12 -pounder, and one iron 3-pounder, which are burst in firing. 

The iron guns are of Europe manufacture. The brass guns, mortars, and 
howitzers have been cast in India: one Portuguese 3-pounder excepted. Some 
bear an inscription of being made at Muttra; others at Ugein, but the whole 
are evidently from the design and execution of an European artist. The 
dimensions are, in general, those of the French; the workmanship is of as 
high a finish as any in the Company’s arsenal. 

Thirteen of the 4-pounders have iron cylinders (or bores), over which it 
would seem the metal was run in casting the piece; for the adherence is so 
close, that no slit or chasm appears; and nothing but the different colours 
of the two metals discovers the junction. The iron cylinder (or bore) is 
composed of four longitudinal pieces of hammered iron, remarkably close, 
and neatly fitted throughout the bore. 

The whole of the pieces are furnished with well-made elevating screws; 
some are of the latest French improvements; and to the mortars and howit¬ 
zers the same kind of elevating screws are, by a simple and ingenious ad¬ 
justment, made to elevate the piece to any angle, and give either of them 
the double capacity of mortar and howitzer. 

The carriages are strong and good; some are neatly made according to 
the French pattern. 

The tumbrils are very stout, but of the clumsy size and shape made by 
the Company in their arsenal about twenty years ago. Some, however, have 
the modern draft chain, whilst others have ratained the trace made of green 
hides. 

The ammunition, both round and grape, differs from that made in the 
Company’s arsenal; insomuch as that the bags are of cotton instead of serge, 
and not fixed to bottoms with the shot; and also, two sorts of grape are 
made use of after the Frence ordnance, viz. large balls for great distances, 
and smaller balls for lesser distances. 


Chain 


79 


Chain shot, rolled up into the shape of a ball, of the size of the bore 
of the piece, either mortar or howitzer, made part also of the enemy’s 
ammunition. 

(Signed) JOHN HORSFORD, Lieut. Col Com Art. in the field. 

A true copy, (Signed) G. A. F. LAKE, Mil. Sec. 


General orders by his Excellency the most noble the governor-general 
in council , captain-general and commander in chief of all the land 
forces serving in the East Indies. 

Fort William, October 1, 1803. 

The returns received by the governor-general in council of the ordnance taken 
on the field of battle near Delhi, on the 11 th of September 1803, have completed 
the official statement of the military operations conducted under the personal 
command of his excellency general Lake, from the 2Qth of August to the 
18th of September. 

In reviewing the rapid and brilliant success of our arms within that period of 
time, every loyal subject of the British empire must be animated by the most 
zealous emotions of just pride, national triumph, and public glory. 

The governor-general in council has already expressed the sentiments of gra¬ 
titude and admiration with which he contemplates the conduct of his excellency 
the commander in chief, and of the officers and troops under his excellency’s 
personal command, in the action of the 2Qth of August, and in the gallant assault 
of the fortress of Ally Ghur, on the 4th of September. 

His excellency in council highly approves the judicious and early movement of 
the army after that important success towards the principal station of the enemy’s 
infantry and artillery, and the position whence the most speedy relief might be 
afforded to the unfortunate representative of the house of Timur, and to his 
majesty’s royal family. 

The decisive victory gained in the battle of Delhi, on the 11th of September, 
justified the firm confidence reposed by the governor-general in council in the 
bravery, perseverance, and discipline of the army, and in the skill, judgment, 
active spirit, and invincible intrepidity of their illustrious commander. 


The 




80 


The glory of that day is not surpassed by any recorded triumph of the British 
arms in India, and is attended by every circumstance calculated to elevate the fame 
of British valor, to illustrate the character of British humanity, and to secure the 
stability of the British empire in the East. 

The governor-general in council acknowledges with the most cordial satisfac¬ 
tion, the distinguished services of major-general Ware, and of the honorable 
major-general St. John, in the action of the 11th of September; and directs the 
commander in chief to signify his particular approbation of the conduct of major- 
general Ware in the command of the right wing of the British army; and of the 
conduct of the honorable major-general St. John, in the ability and steadiness 
which he displayed in the command of the left wing, by surmounting every 
difficulty, and by forcing the right wing of the enemy to retire in disorder 
with heavy loss. 

The governor-general in council also directs the commander in chief to 
notify to colonel St. Leger, and to the corps of cavalry employed on this 
honorable occasion, the high approbation with which His Excellency in council 
has received the report of their gallantry and firmness, and of the peculiar 
skill manifested under the able command of colonel St. Leger, in their judi¬ 
cious, rapid, and decisive movements during the action, and after the flight 
of the enemy had commenced. His Excellency in council contemplates with 
great satisfaction the advanced state of discipline of the native cavalry of Ben¬ 
gal, and the splendid proofs which that corps has afforded of its efficiency 
in active service against the numerous artillery of the enemy. 

The conduct of captain Boyce, and of His Majesty’s 76th regiment, is 
noticed with the warmest applause by the governor-general in council: the 
high reputation established by that respectable corps in various services of 
difficulty and danger in India, appeared in the battle of Delhi, with a degree 
of lustre which has never been exceeded even by British troops. His ex¬ 
cellency in council signifies his most distinguished approbation of the firm¬ 
ness and intrepidity of the officers and men of the native infantry, who, 
with His Majesty’s 76th regiment, at the point of the bayonet, forced an 
enemy, considerably superior in numbers, from a powerful and well-served 
artillery, and opened the way for the successful charge of the cavalry. The 
conduct of the native troops on this memorable day reflects the highest honor 
upon the discipline of the army of Bengal, and confirms the confidence of 

the 


81 


the governor-general in council, in the diligence, skill, and courage of the 
officers of this establishment, and in the eminent character of our native 
soldiers. 

To lieutenant-Colonel Horsford and the artillery, the governor general in 
council repeats the public testimony of approbation which that meritorious 
corps has uniformly deserved in every exigency of the service. 

To the staff of the army, the governor-general in council is happy to 

express the satisfaction with which he learns that they continue, on all 

occasions, to merit the warmest approbation of the commander in chief. 

The governor-general in council sincerely laments the loss of major 

Middleton, captain Me. Gregor, lieutenant Hill, lieutenant Preston, cornet 
Sanguine, and quarter-master Richardson; and of the brave soldiers who 
fell in the exemplary exertion of deliberate valour and disciplined spirit, 
at the battle of Delhi. The names of these brave men will be commemorated 
with the glorious events of the day on which they fell, and will be 
honored and revered while the fame of that signal victory shall endure. 

In testimony of the peculiar honor acquired by the army under the per¬ 
sonal command of his excellency general Lake, the governor general in 

council is pleased to order, that honorary colours, with a device properly 
suited to commemorate the reduction of the fortress of Ally Ghur, on 

the 4 th, and the victory obtained at Delhi, on the 11th of September, 
be presented to the corps of cavalry and infantry, European and native, 
respectively employed on those glorious occasions; and that a public 
monument be erected at Fort William, to the memory of the brave 
officers and men, European and native, who have fallen in the public 
service during the present campaign. 

The honorary colours granted by these orders to His Majesty’s 27th 
regiment of dragoons, and to the 76th of foot, are to be used by 

those corps while they shall continue in India, or until His Majesty’s 
most gracious pleasure be signified through His Excellency the comman¬ 
der in chief. 

In concluding his orders on this memorable occasion, the governor- 
general in council is pleased to direct, that the public thanks of the supreme 
government of the British possessions in India, be <given to his excel¬ 
lency general Lake, commander in chief of His Majesty’s and of the 

* L honorable 


82 


honorable Company’s forces in India, who, with .unexampled alacrity, 
eminent judgment, and indefatigble courage, under extraordinary difficulties, 
has prepared the army of Bengal for the field; has conducted it by a 
rapid succession of glorious victories to the complete defeat of a power¬ 
ful enemy; and has maintained the honour of the British name in India, 
by a humane attention towards the inhabitants of the conquered provinces, 
and by a due respect and reverence towards the unfortunate representative 
of the house of Timur, and towards His Majesty’s royal family. 

His excellency the most noble the governor general in council, captain 
general and commander in chief of all the forces serving in the East 
Indies, is pleased to direct, that these orders be publicly read to the 
troops under arms at every station of the land forces in the East Indies, 
and that the European officers of the Native corps do cause the same 
to be duly explained to the native officers and troops. 

By command of His Excellency the most noble 
The governor-general in council, 

L. HOOK, Sec. to the Govt. Mil. Dept. 
By command of His Excellency the captain general 
and commander in chief of the land forces. 

J. ARMSTRONG, Act. Mil. Sec. 


His Excellency the most noble the governor general in council has 
received authentic advices of the capture of the fort and city of Baroach, 
by Assault on the 29th of August, by the troops under the command 
of lieutenant colonel Woodington. 

Authentic intelligence has also been received of the capture of the fort of 
Jalnapore by the troops under the command of colonel Stevenson. 

The official detail of these important events have not yet been received 
from the honorable major-general Wellesly. 

Published by command of his excellency 

The most noble the governor-general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt.. 

Fort 



83 


r ,» . r 

Fort William, October 3, i803* 

Dispatches, of which the following are extracts, have been received by his 
excellency the most noble the governor-general, from the honorable the governor 
in council of Bombay. The official dispatches on this subject have not yet been 
received from the honorable major-general Wellesley 


To the honorable Jonathan Duncan , Esq. 

President and Governor, &c. &c. in Council. 


Honorable Sir, 

I have the honor to inclose a copy of my letter to major-general Wellesley for 
your information. 


I have the honor to be, &c. &c. &c. 
(Signed) HENRY WOODINGTON, Lieut. Col. &c. 

Camp before Baroach , August 25, 1803. 


To the honorable major-general Arthur Wellesley, &c. &c. &c. 

Sir, 

I have the honor to acquaint you, that I have this morning attacked and taken 
possession of the Pettah on the western face of the fort of Baroach. The battery 
for two eighteen-pounders I hope to have finished in the course of the night, and 
that I shall be able to begin to batter to-morrow morning, when I flatter myself 
a speedy reduction of the fort will ensue. 

Agreeably'to my communication to you, I marched from Baroda on the 21st, 
and encamped within two coss of Baroach on the 23 d. It was my intention to 
have attacked the Pettah (on the outside of which I was informed they had 
brought their whole forc'e) on the morning of the 24 th, expecting to have found 
the Fury schooner, with the two eighteen-pounders at anchor, about a coss 
from the fort, agreeably to the intimation I had received ; but early in the morning 
of the 24 th, one of my cossids, who had been dispatched to lieutenant Hewitson, 
the commander of the vessel, to give him notice of my approach, brought me 
information from him, that on account of the shallowness of the water, it would 
be utterly impracticable to get his vessel to Baroach until the springs, and that 
he was at anchor at Bargood, five coss off. 

* L 2 


On 




84 


On this intelligence I marched to Bargood on the 24th, and made an arrange¬ 
ment to bring the eighteen-pounders and stores up in boats, and I am happy to 
acquaint you they are just arrived. 

We found the enemy in front of the Pettah, as I expected, to receive us, and 
with great ease forced them to a precipitate retreat into the fort. 

Our loss in killed and wounded is not great; no European officer is hurt. 
I should have the honor of sending a return of the killed and wounded, but 
have not had time yet to collect them, from the troops being so much employed. 
The loss of the enemy I have not ascertained. 

I have the honor to be, &c. &c. &c. 

(Signed) H. WOODINGTON, Lieut. Col 

Commanding Detachment against Baroach. 

Camp before Baroach , 2 5th August , 1803. 

P. S. My detachment consists of 500 rank and file of Europeans, and about 
the same number of the grenadier battalion of native infantry; two howitzers, 
two six-pounders, and the two eighteen-pounders, brought in the Fury. 
I marched from Baroda with two twelve-pounders, but I left them behind after 
the first day’s march, on receiving certain information of the Fury’s arrival in 
Baroach river, as our march would have been very considerably delayed by 
bringing them on. 

TRUE COPIES, 

(Signed) J. A. GRANT, Sec. to Govt . 


To the honorable Jonathan Duncan, Esq. 

President and Governor , &c. &c. in Council. 

Honorable Sir, 

I have the honor to enclose for your information, a letter I have this day 
addressed to the honorable major-general Wellesley on the capture of Baroach. 

I have the honor to be, &c. &c. 

(Signed) H. WOODINGTON, 

Lieutenant Colonel 

Baroach , 29th August, 1803. 

To. 




85 


To major-general Wellesley , &c. &c. 

Sir, 

I have the honor to acquaint you, that at three o’clock P. M. I stormed the fort 
of Baroach, and carried it with little loss, although the Arabs made considerable 
resistance, particularly on our entering the breach. The Arabs have suffered 
very considerably, and we have taken a great many stand of colours. A more 
steep ascent to the breach, and of such length, is seldom seen. I cannot express 
myself in sufficient terms on the gallantry of the officers and men I have tho 
honor to command. I shall have the honor to address you more fully to-morrow. 
I write this for your early information, immediately after we got possession of the 
place, which will, I hope, be an excuse for haste. 

I have the honor to be, &c. &c. 

(Signed) H. WOODINGTON, Lieut . Colonel. 

Baroach , 29 th August , 1803. 

TRUE COPIES, 

(Signed) J. A. GRANT, >Sec. to Govt. 


To the honorable Jonathan Duncan , Esq. 

Honorable Sir, 

I have the honor to transmit for your information, a copy of my letter of this, 
day’s date, with enclosures to the honorable major-general Arthur Wellesley. 

We have taken at least twenty stands of colours from the Arabs and Scindians. 
I have only been able to collect ten, at present, which, together with the colours 
of the fort, I shall have the pleasure to send to the presidency by the earliest 
opportunity. 

I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, honorable Sir, 

Your most obedient humble servant,. 
HENRY WOODINGTON, Lieut. Colonel. 

Baroach , August 30, 1803. 

P. S. Since writing the above, I have three more stands of Arab colours brought 
to me, besides which, I have, at major Cuyler’s particular request, permitted the 
86th regiment to keep two, making in all fifteen. 


To 




8(3 


To the Hon. Major-general Arthur Wellesley. 


Sir, 


On the ’western side of India . 


I wrote you yesterday evening, after we had stormed and taken possession 
of the fort of Baroach. I have now the honor of acquainting you more fully 
on the subject. 

The breach was reported practicable by the engineer at eleven A. M. when 
I determined to storm, but delayed it until three o’clock, not only that I might 
benefit by the assistance of the Fury, and an armed boat, which I expected would 
arrive in time to take their stations opposite the fort, but as I thought that a 
very likely hour to find the enemy off their guard. 

The vessel and armed boat, however, did not arrive in time to afford any 
assistance. 

The enclosed orders for the storm will inform you of the disposition I made, 
as will the accompanying profile and elevation of the western front of the fort. 

The enemy made a desperate attack in opposing our entrance into the 
breach, but by the valor and spirit of the troops, were speedily repulsed,, and 
my orders were carried into full execution. After captain Richardson had ob¬ 
tained possession of the first gate, major Cuyler pushed on so rapidly, 
that he overtook the Arabs before the greatest part, both horse and foot, 
could get out of the gate, and put to death about two hundred of them. 
Many horses were also killed. 

I beg leave to submit to your notice the ready co-operation of major 
Cuyler throughout every part of the service, his gallantry and conduct in the 
command of the storm, as also of captain Richardson, who led. 

The whole of the officers and men employed on this service have con¬ 
ducted themselves so much to my satisfaction, that I cannot express myself 
too strongly in their commendation. 

I am now employed in establishing some order in the fort, in getting the 
eighteen-pounder, and every thing we do not want to move with into it; 
also in burying the enemy’s dead, amounting to about two hundred and fifty. 

I have great pleasure in informing you, that our loss is small. Captain 
Me. Laurin of his Majesty’s 86th regiment, is the only officer wounded, and not 

badly. 


87 


badly. A return of the killed and wounded in the storm, as also a general 
return of the killed and wounded during the siege, I enclose. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, 

Your most obedient servant, 

(Signed) HENRY WOODINGTON, 
Baroach , August 30, 1803. Lieutenant colonel. 


Baroach , Monday , August 29, 1803. 
Field orders , by Lieutenant colonel Woodington. 

Parole, Britannia.Countersign, Success. 

The breach being reported practicable, the fort will be stormed at three 
o clock. 

Storming party under the command of major Cuyler. 

Forlorn Hope.A seijeant, and twelve volunteers of his Majesty’s 86th 

regiment. 

1st Party to lead under captain Richardson. 

100 rank and file of his Majesty’s 86th regiment including one 
flank company, and 100 rank and file of the grenadier battalion 
including one flank company. 

2d Party under major Cuyler. 

150 rank and file of his Majesty’s 86th regiment including one 
flank company, and 150 rank and file of the grenadier battalion 
including one flank company; each party to have hoes, pickaxes, 
and crows with them, carried by soldiers; the scaling ladders (to be 
used if necessary) to be also carried by soldiers. 

Reserve, under captain Bethune. * 

100 rank and file of his Majesty’s 86th regiment, and 
100 rank and file of the grenadier battalion. 

These parties will parade and be formed in the streets the troops occupy 
at two o’clock, and then be completed to thirty-six rounds and well Hinted; 
after which they will be marched up to the rear of the battery under cover 
from the view of the fort, and wifit in the utmost silence until the signal 

from 





88 


from two six-pounders, fired quick one after the other, directs their advance 
to storm the breach. The reserve will follow the storming party, and after 
having entered the breach, captain Bethune will immediately form his men and 
wait to act as circumstances may direct. Twenty boxes of musquet ammu¬ 
nition to be taken in with captain Bethune’s party. 

On entering the breach, captain Richardson will turn to the left, and 
march by the works to take possession of the Cuttoopoor gate. Major 
Cuyler’s party will follow, and push on also by the works to take possession 
of the Jarraseer gate. When these gates are obtained, the works are to 
be cleared of any parties of the enemy in their vicinity, and the men to be 
kept under arms ready to act at a moment’s warning. 

A true copy, 

(Signed) H. WOODINGTON, Lieut . col. 


Return of the hilled, wounded, and missing in the Pettah, and the storm 
of Baroach , on the 2Qth of August, under the command oj Lieut. 
Colonel Woodington. Baroach, the 3 oth of August, 1803. 



| Captains. 

8 

G | 

.|j 

<L> 

C/3 

| Havildars. 

tfi 

£ 

£ 

S 

Q 

| Rank and File.| 

| Syrangs. 

| Tindals. 

| Lascars. 

| Puckaulies. | 

• ( 

'Killed. 








1 


Detachment of Artillery. < 

Detachment of H. M. 6lst Reg.*j 

Wounded.... 

^Missing. 

-Killed. 

Wounded .... 
L Missing. 





3 






r Killed. 


1 



1 





His Majesty’s 86th Regiment. ■< 

Wounded.... 
L Missing. 

2 

1 



1 






r Killed. 





1 





1st Grenadier Battalion. « 

' Wounded .... 
L Missing. 



1 


6 




1 












Total 

1 2 

I 2 

1 


12) 

* 

1 


N. B. Captain James Richardson, of H. M. 86th Regiment, J 
Captain L. MTaurin, of H. M. 86th Regiment, * 

(Signed) 


Wounded the 29th Instant 
J. BEETE, B. M. 


Return 

































89 


Return of the hilled , wounded , and missing, during the siege of 
Baroach, under the command of Lieut. Col Henry Woodington. 



Detachment of Artillery, \ 

Detachment of H. M. 6 1st Reg.<| 
His Majesty’s 86th Regiment, -j 

1st Grenadier Battalion. -j 

r Killed. 

Wounded. . .. 

L Missing . 

r Killed. 

Wounded.... 

L Missing. 

f Killed. 

Wounded.... 

L Missing. 

f Killed. 

Wounded.... 

L Missing. 

Total 


k 5 


i 
i 

5 2 ) 


N. B. Captain William Semple, of his Majesty’s 86th Regiment, killed on the 25th Instant. 

Captain James Richardson, of H. M. 86th Regiment,') -, xr , , . , T 

Captain L. M‘Laurin, of H. M. 86th Regimlnt, j Wounded on the 29th Instant. 

(Signed) J. BEETE, B. M. 

Published by command of his Excellency 

The most noble the Governor-general in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, chief Sec. to the Govt. 


Fort William, October 14, 1803. 

A Dispatch, of which the following is an extract, has been received this 
day, by his Excellency the most noble the governor-general, from his Excellency 
the commander in chief. 

To his Excellency the Most Noble Marquis Wellesley , Gov. Gen. 

My Lord, 

I Have the honor to enclose for your lordship’s information, extract of a 
letter just received from colonel Vandeleur, reporting the arrival of colonel 
Dudernaigue, Messrs. Smith, and Lapanet, in his camp. 

* ,M 


No 





























go 


No French officer of any consequence now remains in Scindiah’s service; and 
those who do, would, I have reason to believe, willingly avail themselves of any 
opportunity of putting themselves under our protection. 

I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

Your lordship’s most faithful humble Servant, 

(Signed) G. LAKE 

Head Quarters , Camp Choma , 1st Sept. 1803. 

Extract of a letter from colonel Vandeleur, dated camp, Muttra, 
September the SOth, 1803. 

Colonel Dudernaige and Messrs. Smith and Lapanet, having quitted Scin¬ 
diah’s service, came into camp this day. 

A true extract, 

(Signed) G. A. F. LAKE, Military Secretary . 

A Dispatch, of which the following is a copy, has been received by his 
Excellency the most noble the governor-general, from his Excellency the 
honorable major-general Wellesley. 

Camp , September 12, 1803. 

My lord, 

I Have the honor to inclose copies of the papers * which contain a detailed 
account of the attack upon, and capture of Baroach. I beg to draw your 
Excellency’s notice to the conduct of the troops employed on this service; 
particularly to that of lieutenant-colonel Woodington who commanded, to 
that of major Cuyler and captain Richardson of the 80th regiment, and of 
captain Cliffe of the Bombay engineers. 

I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

With the greatest respect, 

Your excellency’s most obedient 

And faithful humble Servant, 
(Signed) ARTHUR WELLESLEY. 

His Excellency the Governor-General, &c. See. 

Published by command of his Excellency 

The most noble the governor general in council, 
J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Gov. 

< . , General 

# These Papers were published in the Gazette Extraordinary of the 4th October. 






01 


GENERAL ORDERS. 

By his Excellency the most noble the Governor general in council. 

Fort William , Oct. 14, 1803. 

The Governor-general in council derives great satisfaction from the intelligence 
which he has received of the reduction of the fort and city of Baroach, on 
the 29 th of August, and of the ability, promptitude, and gallantry with which 
that important service was accomplished by the brave officers and troops, under 
the command of lieutenant-colonel Woodington of the establishment of Bombay. 

His Excellency in council highly approves the conduct of lieutenaiit-colonel 
Woodington in his judicious and spirited exertions for the early reduction of 
the place; in directing the operations of the siege; in his seasonable deter¬ 
mination to assault the fort; and in the disposition which he made of the 
troops under his command, with a view to secure the rapid success of that 
gallant attack. 

The governor-general in council signifies his particular approbation of the valor 
and judgment manifested by major Cuyler of his Majesty’s 86 th regiment, 
throughout the service at Baroach; and in commanding the storm of the fort; 
and by captain Richardson, of the same corps, in leading the assault. His 
Excellency in council also observes with particular satisfaction, the conduct of 
captain Cliffe, of the engineers of Bombay. 

To all the officers and troops, European and native, employed on this 
honorable occasion, his Excellency in council signifies his high commendation- 

The governor-general in council laments the loss of captain W. Semple of 
his Majesty’s 86 th regiment, killed on the 25th of August, and of the few 
brave men who fell before Baroach. It is a great satisfaction, however, to 
observe, that an acquisition so important, should have been secured with the 
loss of only one officer, and of so few soldiers. 

In bearing a due testimony to the merits of the officers and troops employed 
in the reduction of Baroach on the 29 th of August, the governor-general in 
council remarks,, that on the same day, distinguished by the commencement 
of the victorious career of the army of Bengal, under the personal command 
of his Excellency general Lake, upon the frontier of Oude, the army of 
Bombay at the western extremity of the peninsula of India, effected a service 
of the most arduous nature, with a similar spirit of alacrity and courage. 

In the course of an extensive and complicated system of military operations, 

*M 2 


92 


the glorious success of our arms since the commencement of this war has 
been uniform in every part of India; the able and gallant officers and troops 
of his Majesty s service, and of the several establishments of the three presi¬ 
dencies, have been actuated by equal sentiments of public spirit and honor, and 
have co-operated with equal ardor and success, in an united effort to accom¬ 
plish the just objects of the allies. The governor-general in council confides 
in the justice of our cause, in the unanimous zeal of the three precidencies, and 
in the continued co-operation of their respective resources and power, that 
the views of the confederate chieftains will be speedily frustated by the complete 
restoration of peace and tranquillity to the provinces of Hindostan and the 
Dekan, which have been been disturbed by the ambition and violence of the 
enemy. 

The governor-general in council directs, that copies of this order be transmitted 
to the right honorable the governor in council at Fort St. George, and to the 
honorable the governor in council at Bombay, to be published to the aimies 
of those presidencies respectively. 

By command of his Excellency the most noble 
The govenor-general in council, 

(Signed) L. HOOK, Sec . to the Govt. Mil. Dept. 

Fort William, October 18, 1803. 
Authentic advices have been received by His Excellency the most noble 
the governor-general, containing the important intelligence, that on the 23d 
of September, an action took place near the Adjuntee Pass in the Dekan, 
between the forces under the command of the honorable major general 
Wellesley and the main body of the combined army of the confederate chief¬ 
tains Dowlut Rao Scindiah and the rajah of Berar, in whibh, after a severe 
engagement which lasted for three hours, the enemy was completely defeated, 
and ninety pieces of cannon were taken by the British troops at the point 
of the bayonet. 

Our loss has been severe in this glorious and brilliant victory. 

The official dispatches have not yet been received from the honorable 
major general Wellesley. 

Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the governor-general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, chief sec. to the govt. 

Fort 




03 


Fort William , October 19, 1803. 

The following dispatch, received last night by express, is published by order 
of His Excellency the most noble the governor-general in council. 

To captain ARMSTRONG, 

Acting military secretary to his Excellency the most noble the governor-general. 

SIR, 

I- request you will be pleased to state to His Excellency the most noble the 
governor-general, that the Barabatty Fort has this instant been taken by 
assault. 

Lieutenant-colonel Clayton, of the 20th Bengal regiment, who commanded 
the attack, not having yet made his report to me, I am not enabled to 
forward to you for His Excellency’s information, the regular details of this 
success, but I understand his conduct and that of the troops under his 
orders, to have been most honorable and brilliant. 

The fortress is of considerable strength, and was vigorously defended, added 
to which, every possible obstruction was prepared by the enemy. 

Our loss on this occasion, I trust, has not been very considerable. I shall 
have the honor of forwarding to you for His Excellency’s information, re¬ 
turns of the whole to-morrow. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, 

Your most obedient servant, 

(Signed) GEO. HARCOURT, 

Lieut, colonel commanding in Cuttack , and Military 
Sec. to His Excellency the most noble the governor general. 

The detailed statement of the combined operations by which the valuable 
province of Cuttack has been occupied by the British troops, will be pub¬ 
lished in a Gazette extraordinary to-morrow. 

His Excellency the most noble the governor-general in council is pleased 
to make the following appointments. 

Lieutenant colonel George Harcourt, to command the troops in the pro¬ 
vince of Cuttack. 


Lieutenant 


94 

Lieutenant colonel George Harcourt and John Melvill, Esq. commissioners 
for the settlement of the province of Cuttack. 

By command of his Excellency 

The most noble the governor-general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, chief sec. to the Govt. 


GENERAL ORDERS. 

By his Excellency the most noble the gov. general and captain general. 

U Fort William, Oct. 18, 1803. 

A royal salute to be fired to-morrow morning at sun-rise, in honor of 
the reduction, by assault, of the Barabatty fort 4 Cuttack, on the 14th instant 
bv the troops under the command of lieutenant, colonel Harcourt, by whici 
gallant action the conquest of the valuable province of Cuttack has been com- 
pleted. 

By his Excellency’s command, 

(Signed) JAS. ARMSTRONG, Act. Mil. Sec. 

Fort William , Oct. 21, 1803. 

A Dispatch, of which the following is an extract, has been this day 
received by his Excellency the most noble the governor-general, from his 

Excellency the commander in chief. 

To his excellency the most noble 

MARQUIS WELLESLEY, gov. gen. &c. &c. &c. 

My Lord, , . 

Finding it impossible to make approaches against this place, as long as t e 
seven battalions of the enemy, who remained here, were in possession of 
the town of Agra, of an encampment with a large number of guns on 
the glacis, and of the ravines with which the south and soth-west face of 
the fort is surrounded, I determined to dislodge the enemy from the town 
and occupy the ravines this morning, which will answer as trenchers, and 
afford complete cover for carrying on our works. 

With this view I ordered brigadier general Clarke, who was encamped 
with his brigade in the rear of the town, to take possession of it, at tic 
same time that three battalions advanced to occupy the ravines. 



95 


The attacks have succeeded, and the town as well as the ravines are now 
occupied by otir troops. 

Lieutenant-colonel Me Cullock, major Haldane, and Captain Worseley, 
led the battalions that advanced on the ravines. Every praise is due to 
those officers, who performed every thing required of them, with the 
greatest alacrity and steadiness. 

I am sorry to say, that a number of men have been killed and wounded 
as well as officers, owing to their high spirit and anxiety to possess them¬ 
selves of the enemy’s guns; they quitted the ravine and gained the glacis, 
driving the enemy from their position; in effecting which, from being close 
under the fort, they were exposed to a very heavy fire. 

My thanks are due to the honorable major-general St. John, for his 
spirited conduct in advancing at the head of the 2d Battalion of the 2d 
native infantry, which I found it necessary to order up to support the 
attack. 

Brigadier general Clarke, in his attack on the town, met with consider¬ 
able resistance; which, by the gallant conduct of the officers and men under 
his command, was at length surmounted. I feel myself under particular 
obligations to lieutenant-colonel White, who commanded five companies of 
the l6th regiment native infantry, for his judicious and gallant conduct 
on this day. 

I feel myself under the greatest obligations to lieutenaut-colonel Gerard, 
adjutant general, who undertook to point out lieutenant-colonel Me Cullock 
the road he was to pursue ; and I am sorry to report, that in the per¬ 
formance of this duty he received a very severe contusion; but I trust it 
will not be attended with any serious consequences. 

Major Thomas, of the 14th native' infantry is, I am sorry to add, very 
severely wounded ; his exertions throughout this day were most meritorious. 

Lieutenant Hay, of the artillery, who went with a detachment of that 
corps to bring off the enemy’s guns, merits my approbation for his suc¬ 
cessful exertions in this service. 

To Mr. Lucan’s information and exertions on this occasions, as well as on 
every other, I feel myself much indebted. 

I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

Your lordship’s most faithful humble Servant, 

(Signed) G. LAKE. 

Head Quarters , Camp before Agra , October 10 , 1803. 

P. S. A list of the guns taken shall be forwarded to-morrow. 


LIST 


. 96 


LIST OF OFFICERS WOUNDED. 

First Battalion lAth Regiment Native Infantry. 

Major Thomas, and lieutenant Rose,-badly. 

Ensign Oliver, slightly. 

With Colonel Clarke , 

Lieutenant Beagham, Artillery. 

Whitaker, Infantry, severely. 

Grant, Ditto, Ditto, and missing. 


Staff. 

Lieutenant-Col. Gerard, Adjutant General* 

Fifteenth Regiment Native Infancy. 

Lieutenants Perry and Addisson,-slightly. 

A more correct list shall be sent the moment it can be obtained. 

(Signed) G. L. 

Published by command of his Excellency 

The most noble the governor-general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Got. 


Fort William, Oct. 22 , 1803. 

The following extract of a dispatch, received this day, is published by com¬ 
mand of his excellency the most noble the governor-general in council. 


SIR, 


To captain ARMSTRONG, 


I had the honor of briefly stating to you yesterday, for the information of 
His Excellency the most noble the governor-general, that the fort of 
Barrabutty had been taken by assault, by a party of the troops under my com¬ 
mand, directed to perform this service under the orders of lieutenant-colonel 
Clayton, of the 20th Bengal regiment, I now have the honor to acquaint 
you, for his Excellency’s information, with the further details of this operation. 

On the night of the 12th, a spot was fixed on for a 12-pounder 
battery, distant about 500 yards from the outer gate of the fort. This 
battery was completed on the night of the 13th, and the 12-pounder placed 
in it, together with two howitzers and two 6-pounders, the whole of which 
opened their fire on the morning of the 14th. By eleven o’clock in the 
forenoon most of the defences on the south face of the fort, against which 
our fire was. directed, were taken off, the enemy’s guns silenced, and every 
appearance promised success: upon which I directed lieutenant-colonel Clayton 

to 




97 


to advance with one 6 -pounder, and a party of artillery-men, two hundred 
Europeans from his Majesty’s 22 d, and the Madras European regiment, 
and four hundred Sepoys from the 20 th Bengal, and the 9 th and 19 th re¬ 
giments of Madras native infantry. The party had to pass over a narrow 
bridge, and under a very heavy, but ill-directed fire of musquetry from the 
fort, to which they were exposed for forty minutes. They at length suc¬ 
ceeded in blowing open the wicket, (the remaining part of the Gate having- 
been fortified with thick masses of stone). Having accomplished this, the 
party entered singly, and although they met with considerable resistance 
whilst entering the fort, and passing two other gates, the' British troops 
were soon completely victorious. 

I cannot too highly praise the conduct of lieutenant-colonel Clayton 
and that of the officers and troops under his command: the whole party 
manifested a degree of persevering steadiness and bravery that does them 
infinite honor. , 

The fort of Barrabutty is of considerable strength, and, with the ex¬ 
ception only of the bridge over which our party passed, is inaccessible, 
as it is surrounded by a ditch from 35 to 135 feet broad, and twenty 
feet depth of water in it. 

I am happy to acquaint you, that our loss has not been considerable; but 
I have to report with regret, that captain Iiurlstone of his Majesty’s 22 d 
regiment, and lieutenant Faithful, of the Bengal artillery, are wounded, though 
not dangerously; their conduct was highly meritorious, as well as that of every 
other officer on the storming party. 

Returns of the killed and wounded are enclosed. 

I cannot omit expressing in the strongest manner the high sense I entertain of 
the services of captain Blunt, field engineer, who has been throughout our cam¬ 
paign indefatigably active; and of captain Hetzler, of the Bengal artillery, whose 
well-directed fire from the battery was of eminent service. 

The loss of the enemy within the fort was very considerable, and many were 
drowned in the ditch, when endeavouring to escape. 

I should not omit mentioning, that a stand of colours of the enemy was taken 
by the detachment of his Majesty’s 22 d regiment; a second stand of colours by 
the 20 th Bengal regiment; a third by the 9 th Madras native regiment, and a 
fourth by the 19 th Madras native regiment; and for the disposal of which 
I hope to be honored with his Excellency’s commands. 

* N 


The 


98 


The zealous and efficient services of major of Brigade Thompson, demand my 
warmest acknowledgmants, and I must further beg leave to report to you for his 
Excellency’s information, that the general conduct of the whole, force under my 
command, has been such as to merit the most favorable representation of their 
services to his Excellency’s notice. 

I have the honor to be, &c. &c. &c. 
(Signed) GEO. HARCOURT, Lieut. Col. commanding in Cuttack , 
and Military Sec. to his Excellency the most noble the Gov. Gen. 

Laid Bang Forty Cuttack, October 15, 1803. 

Return of the hilled and wounded, of his Majesty s and the Hon. Com¬ 
pany's troops, in the assault of the fort of Barrabutty, on the 14th 
October, finder the command of Lieut. Col. Harcourt. 

Laid Bang Fort, Cuttack, October 15, 1803. 



KILLED. 

s. 

WOUNDED. 

Europeans. 

Native 

Europeans. 

Natives. 

| Captains. | 

| Lieutenants.| 

| Serjeants. | 

.8 

cd 

& 

1 

1 

►j 

< 

O 

EH 

l 

l 

| | Subidars. | 

| Jemidars. | 

| Havildars. | 

| | Naigues. 

w | Privates. 

| w j Total. 

a 

'is 

Cu 

O 

1 

1 

C/3 

1 

1 

<u 

1 

| Serjeants. 

8 

,Ph 

8 

4 

*4 

8 

0 

H 

. 1 

9 

5 

1 

05 

rt 

rs 

c n 

C/3 

r O 

■0 

<D 

2 

| I Havildars. 

1 Naigues. 

| ^ _ | Privates. 

< 

H 

O 

H 

1 

12 

Detachment Bengal Artillery.... 
Detachment H. M. 22d Regiment 
1st Div. Madras European Reg..-. 
2oth Bengal Native Regiment. . . . 
1st Bat. 9th Reg. Madras N. I. 

1st Bat. 19th Reg. Madras N. I... 

Total 




2 

2 





3| 3 

2 

1 

1 

12 

lb 


2 

1 


10 

13 


N. B. Captain Hurlstone, of his Majesty’s 22d Regiment. 

Captain Kenny, of the 1st bat. 19th Reg. Madras native infantry, VWounded. 

Lieutenant Faithful, of the Bengal artillery..... J 

(Signed) FRAS. THOMPSON, Major of Brigade. 

Published by command of 

His excellency the most noble 

The governor-general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 

General 











































99 


General Orders , by his Excellency the most noble the Govcror- 
gencral in council. 

Fort William , October'Fly 1803. 

The governor-general in council notifies to the army, his high approbation of 
the meritorious sendees of the officers and troops employed under the able conduct 
of lieutenant-colonel George Harcourt, in the expedition prepared under the 
special orders of his Excellency in council, for the occupation of the valuable 
province of Cuttack. 

Elis Excellency in council observed, with great satisfaction, the judgment, 
skill, and firmness, manifested by lieutenant-colonel Harcourt, in directing the 
movement of the division of the troops, which entered the province of Cuttack 
from Ganjam. 

The difficulties opposed to the progress of the troops by the peculiar nature of 
the country, by the period of the season, and by the resistance of the enemy, 
were surmounted by lieutenant-colonel Harcourt, and by the brave officers arid 
troops under his command, with the same spirit of gallantry and perseverance, 
which has secured the success of every operation of the British army in every part 
of India during this glorious campaign. 

The governor-general in council highly approves the judicious arrangements 
prepared by lieutenant-colonel Harcourt, for the siege and assault of the fort of 
Barrabutty at Cuttack, and the spirited exertion, by which that important service 
was executed with success and honor on the 14th instant. 

His Excellency in council directs lieutenant-colonel Harcourt to signify his dis¬ 
tinguished approbation of the merits of lieutenant-colonel Clayton, of the Bengal 
20 th regiment native infantry, who commanded the attack, and of the steadiness 
and bravery of all the officers and troops employed in the assault of the fort. 

It affords considerable satisfaction to the governor-general in council to remark, 
that this important service has been effected with so little loss, and his Excellency 
trusts, that captain Hurlstone of his Majesty’s 22d regiment, captain Kenny of 
the 'lQth regiment of Madrass native infantry, and lieutenant Faithful of the 
Bengal artillery, will speedily be restored to the public service, in which theyr 
courage and resolution have already been distinguished. 

The governor-general in council expresses his sense of the activity, zeal, and 
useful services of captain Blunt, field engineer in Cuttack, and also of the conduct 
of captain Hetzler, of the Bengal artillery. 

* N 2 


The 


1G0 


The colours taken in the assault of the fort of Cuttack by the detachments of 
his Majesty’s 22 d regiment, the 20 th Bengal native regiment, and the Qth and 
19 th Madras native regiments, are to be publicly displayed in the fort of Cuttack, 
and afterwards lodged in the principal building in the fort, with an inscription 
signifying the names of the corps by which the standards were respectively taken 
from the enemy. 

His Excellency in council expresses the satisfaction with which he has noticed 
the zealous and efficient services of major of Brigade Thompson. 

Daring the advance of the force, under the immediate direction of lieutenant- 
colonel Harcourt from Ganjam, the conduct of the officers and troops employed 
at Balasore, under the command of captain Morgan of the 7 th Bengal native 
regiment, and of that which marched from Jellasore, under the command of 
lieutenant-colonel Fergusson of the same regiment, merits the public approbation 
of his Excellency in council. 

Tile governor-general in council particularly approves the firm and skilful con¬ 
duct of captain Morgan, in directing the disembarkation of the troops at Balasore, 
and in the judicious occupation and maintenance of that position. His Excellency 
in council also expresses his just sense of the meritorious and useful assistance 
rendered by captain P. Grant, of the 16 th regiment of Bengal native infantry, 
in the execution of every branch of the service at Balasore, and in aiding the 
progress of lieutenant-colonel Fergusson’s detachment. 

Great advantage has been derived to the success of our arms in Cuttack, from 
the respect which has been uniformly observed, by lieutenant-colonel Harcourt, 
and by all the officers and troops under his immediate command, as well as by the 
detachments co-operating from Balasore and Jellasore, towards the religious esta¬ 
blishments in Cuttack ; and from the exemplary humanity with which the lives 
and private property of the inhabitants, and the sanctity of the temples, and 
institutions of the brahmins, have been protected from violation. 

The governor-general notices with peculiar pleasure the merits of lieutenant- 
colonel Harcourt, and of the officers and troops serving in Cuttack in this respect, 
as tending to maintain the honor of the British character, and to conciliate the 
confidence and attachment of the inhabitants of that valuable province. 

By command of his Excellency the most noble 
The governor-general in council, 

L. HOOK, Sec. to the Govt. Mil. Dept . 

Fort 


101 


Fort William, October 24, 1803. 

Dispatches, of which the following are extracts, have been received by his 
excellency the most noble the governor-general, from his Excellency the com¬ 
mander in chief. 

To his Excellency the most noble Marquis Wellesley, Gov. Gen. &c. 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to inclose herewith, for your lordship’s information, a return 
of the killed, wounded, and missing, in the affair of the 10th instant. 

I have the honor to be, my lord, 

Your lordship’s most faithful, humble servant, 
(Signed) G. LAKE. 

Head Quarters, Camp before Agra, Oct. i2, 1803. 

Return of the hilled, wounded, and missing, in the affair of the 

loth of October, 1803 . 



I Majors. 

1 Lieutenants 

1 Ensigns. 

1 Subadars. 

I Jemadars. 

I Tindals. 

I Havildars. 

I Naicks. 

1 Gunners. 

Drummers. 

Privates. 

| Sepoys. 

GunLascars 

r Killed. 

Artillery.Wounded .... 

bMissing. 

r-Killed. 

2d battalion 9th regiment. • . • < Wounded .... 

b Missing. 

f Killed. . .. .. 
1st battalion 12th regiment .. J Wounded .... 

bMissing. 

rKilled .. . .. 

1st battalion 14th regiment .. J Wounded .... 

bMissing. 

r Killed. 

1st battalion 15 th regiment .. 1 Wounded_ 

b Missing. 

r Killed. 

2d battalion 15 th regiment .. < Wounded .... 

bMissing.. 

r Killed. 

2d battalion l6th regiment .. ^ Wounded .... 

bMissing. 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

3 

1 

l 

2 

2 

1 

2 

2 

3 

1 

1 

1 

2 

3 

1 

1 

I 

1 

1 

2 

7 

6 

44 

1 

2 

15 

55 

11 

2 

17 

5 

13 

1 

1 

4 

_1, 

7 

r Killed .. .... 


1 





3 

1 

1 



29I 


Total. . < Wounded..... 

] 

5 

1 

4 

2 

2 

7 

5 

1 

2 

7 

135 

7 

t Missing. 







i| 

1 




13 



Names 






























































102 


Names of tlie Officers Killed and Wounded. 


Artillery, 

2d Bat. 12th Regt. 

1st Bat. 12th Regt. 
1st Bat. 14th Regt. 


1st Bat. 15th Regt. 

(Signed) 


Lieutenant Beagham, 
Lieutenant Grant, 
Lieutenant Whitaker, 
Lieutenant W oolet, 
Major Thomas, 
Lieutenant Rose, 
Ensign Oliver, 
Lieutenant Perry, 


Wounded. 

Killed. 

Wounded—Since dead. 
Wounded. 

Wounded. 

Wounded. 

Wounded. 

Wounded. 

J. GERRARD, Ad. Gen. 


To Ms Excellency the most nohle Marquis Wellesley, Gov. gen. &c. &c. 

My Lord, 

I Have the satisfaction to inform your lordship, that the battalions, who 
were opposed to us in the affair of the 10th instant, came over last night, 
and are now encamped near us. 

Their number is about two thousand five hundred. 

I have reason to believe that their compliance with my terms, was chiefly 
owing to the severe loss, and complete defeat, they experienced in the affair 
of the 10th instant. By their own accounts the loss they sustained was 
upwards of six hundred killed. 

I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

Your lordship’s most faithful humble servant, 

(Signed) G. LAKE. 

Head Quarters, Camp before Agra, Oct. 13, 1803. 

Published by command of his Excellency 

The most noble the governor-general in council, 

J. LUMSDEN. Chief Sec. to the Govt. 


Fort William, Oct. 25, 1803. 

A Dispatch, of which the following is an extract, has been this day received 
by his Excellency the most noble the governor general, from his Excellency 
the commander in chief. 




103 


I received note No. 1, addressed to the officer commanding in the trenches; 
in consequence of which I ordered all firing to cease till four in the even¬ 
ing, and in my answer. No. 2, desired a confidential person might be sent to 
my camp. 

About two o’clock, colonel Sutherland, whom they liberated from con¬ 
finement for that purpose, arrived in my camp with letters No. 3, and No. 4. 

As it appeared their wish that I should send an officer into the fort, 
I requested captain Salkeld to accompany colonel Sutherland thither with 
my replies No. 5, and 6, to explain to the garrison the terms on which 
they would be allowed to surrender. 

Captain Salkeld saw all the native chiefs, and found that they were not 
decided in their opinions on the subject. They started .several difficulties, 
and whilst he was endeavouring to remove these, the firing from the fort 
recommenced, without any evident cause, which induced him to return to 
camp. 

Being desirous from motives of humanity to induce them to listen to my 
terms, a messenger entrusted with a letter from me was again sent this 
morning. They have refused however all intercourse, from which I am in¬ 
clined think that their only object yesterday was to gain time. 

My grand batteries will open on the morning of the l6th, and I have 
reason to think that soon afterwards a practicable breach will be effected. 

I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

Your lordship’s most faithful and humble Servant, 

(Signed) G. LAKE. 

Head Quarters, Camp before Agra, Oct. 14, 1803. 

No. 1. To the Officer Commanding opposite Mader Ghur. 

Sir, 

The fort demands a cessation of hostilities, and are going to send terms to 
camp. 

October 13, 1803. (Signed) G. W. HESSING. 

Sir, 


lol 


No. II. To Colonel G. IF. HESSING, &c. 

Sir, 

Hostilities will cease till four o’clock this evening, before which time a con¬ 
fidential person is expected to be sent into camp with the terms proposed. If 
he does not arrive before that hour, hostilities will recommence. 

The person who comes will be treated with every attention, and allowed 
to return in perfect safety. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, 

Your most obedient Servant, 

(Signed) G. A. F. LAKE, Mil See . 

Head Quarters of the British Army , October 13, 1803. 

No. 3. 

To his Excellency GENERAL LAKE , Commander in Chief, &c. 

Sir, 

We have the honor to inform your Excellency, that notwithstanding the 
past violent and unwarrantable proceedings of the people of the fort, they 
have at last become a little more reasonable, from our repeatedly telling them 
that any further resistance on their part would avail them nothing, but on 
the contrary, would exasperate your Excellency and the troops under your 
command, so as to "exterminate the whole of them, if a storm took place. 
Their commandants have consequently come to us this forenoon in a body, 
and requested of us to forward to your Excellency the accompanying pro 
posal for the surrender of the fort, to which their respective names are affixed. 

Should any unforeseen deviation from these proposals take place, as we are 
still their prisoners,' we hope your excellency will not impute to us the blame. 

Their proposal is to deliver up the fort, guns, stores &c. to your Excellency, at 
any time after the receipt of this you may think proper. Protection to themselves 
and private property, after delivering up the Sircar’s arms and property, and be 
allowed to remain in the city, or to go wherever their families may be. 

We have the honor to be, Sir, 

Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servants, 
(Signed) G. W. HESSING. 

H. SUTHERLAND, 


Fort at Agra , Oct, 13, 1803. 


105 


No. 4. 


All the officers of the fort of Akberabad give in writing the following 
engagement: 

Whereas a misunderstanding had taken place with Colonel George Wil¬ 
liam Hessing, at the instigation of the Seapoys/all the Officers and Seapoys do 
give in writing this engagement, that we will implictly abide by whatever the 
said colonel may adjust on our part with General Lake, for the security of 
our lives, properties, effects, and honor. We have agreed to invest the said 
colonel with full powers for this purpose.—This engagement is correct.— 
Dated the 25th Jemmaudee-oo-Saunee 1218, (11th or 12th October)— 
Signed by fifteen officers, Mahomedans and Hindoos, 

No. 5. 

To Colonel GEORGE HESSING, 

Mr. SUTHERLAND, 


&c, &V. &V. 


Gentlemen, 

Your letter has been received. 

On the terms proposed in the last paragraph of your letter, I allow the 
garrison to march out with protection to themselves and private property.— 
After delivering up the Sircar’s arms, treasure, or any other public property, 
those who belong to the city may remain there, the others allowed to go 
where their families may be. 

I have the honor to be. Gentlemen, 

Your obedient humble Servant, 

(Signed) G. LAKE. 

Head Quarters, British Camp, October 13, 1803. 

O 


No. 6 . 


106 


No. 6. 

His Excellency General Lake engages, that all the Officers and Sepoys 
who are within the fort of Akberabad, shall be allowed to proceed in the 
most honorable manner with their clothes whithersoever they may chuse—no 
interuption whatever will be given to those Officers and Sepoys, their families 
and children. But all arms and military weapons, musquets and guns, carts 
and carriages, and treasure which may be within the fort, shall belong to the 
Company. 

They (Officers, &c.) shall not be allowed to carry out of the fort any 
money or effects of the above description. 

The Officers, &c. are required to specify in writing the hour at which they 
may determine with the bearer of this engagement to surrender the fort, in. 
order that the British troops may enter the fort. 

God is witness to the sincerity of this engagement. 

Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt X 


Fort William, October 28, 1803. 

A DISPATCH, of which the following is a copy, has been received 
this day, by His Excellency the most noble the Governor General, from His 
Excellency the Commander in Chief. 

To His Excellency the most noble Marquis Wellesley , Governor General\ 

&c. &c+ &c. 

My Lord, 

I HAVE the pleasure to inform your lordship, that the important 
fortress of Agra, termed by the natives “ The Key of Hindostan,” capitulated 
last night, and the garrison, consisting of between five and six thousand men, 
4 marched 




107 


marched out at noon this day, when the place was immediately occupied by 
our troops under the command of Brigadier General Mac Donald. 

The only terms required by the garrison were protection to their persons 
and private property, which was agreed to on my part. 

I attribute the early surrender of this place to the great impression our 
breaching batteries, which opened yesterday morning within three hundred 
and fifty yards, made on the walls, and which would have caused a 
practicable breach in a few hours more battering. 

To Colonel Horsford of the artillery, and Captain Wood of the corps of 
engineers, as well as to every other officer in these two corps, I feel myself 
under great obligations for their unremitted exertions on this occasion, and to 
which I principally attribute my early success against this place. 

I have the pleasure to say, our loss since the construction of the batteries 
has been very trifling. Three European artillerymen, and three Golundauze 
killed, are the only casualties. 

A return of the ordnance, stores, &c. found in the fort, I shall have the 
honor to forward for your lordship’s information to-morrow. 

I have the honor to be. My Lord, 

Your Lordship’s most faithful humble Servant, 

Head Quarters, (Signed) G. LAKE. 

Agra, October 18, 1808. 

Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 

GARRISON ORDERS, 

By His Excellency the most noble the Governor General and Captain General. 

Fort William , October 28, 1803. 

A royal salute to be fired immediately from the ramparts of Fort William, 
in honor of the surrender of the important fortress of Agra on the 17th 

O 2 instant 


\ 


108 


instant at night, to the forces under the personal command of His Excellency 
General Lake. 

A general discharge of the artillery on the ramparts of Fort William, 
followed by a feu de joie from all the troops in garrison, to take place at sun¬ 
set this evening, and to be answered by the artillery at Dum Dum, and by 
the troops at Barrackpore. 

Extra Batta to be served to the European troops in garrison. 

J. ARMSTRONG, 

Acting Military Secretary. 

GENERAL ORDERS, 

By His Excellency the most noble the Governor General in Council 

Fort William, October 21, 180§. 

All officers now at the presidency on leave of absence from their corps, 
whether on account of their health, or their private affairs, are immediately to 
report themselves to the officer commanding at the presidency s and all officers 
who may hereafter arrive at the presidency, are to report their arrival to him. 

(Signed) THOS. HILL, 

1st Assist. Sec. Mil. Dept. 

Government House, Friday, October 28, 1803. 

There will be a levee at the Government House on Monday next the 
3 1 st instant, at ten o’clock. 

Captain Bristow will receive the cards of such persons as may be desirous 
of being presented to the Governor General. 

Aides de camp in waiting on Monday next. Captains Bristow and 
Camac. 

B. CAMAC, Aide de Camp . 

His 


m 

His Excellency the most noble the Governor General will hold a public 
Durbar at nine o’clock in the evening of Monday the 31st instant, for the 
purpose of receiving the congratulations of the natives of rank and foreign 
Vakeels at the presidency, on the late glorious success of the British arms in 
Hindostan and the Dekan. 

By Order of His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General, 

N. B. EDMONSTONE, 

£ Per. Sec. to Govt » 

.. — 


Fort William , October 30, 1803. 

DISPATCHES, of which the following are Extracts, have been received 
this day, by His Excellency the most noble the Governor General, from the 
honorable Major General Wellesley, 

My Lord, Camp at Assye> September 24, 1803. 

I was joined by Major Hill, with the last of the convoys expected from the 
river Kistna on the 18th, and on the 20th was enabled to move forward 
towards the enemy, who had been joined, in the course of the last seven or 
eight days, by the infantry under Colonel Pohlman, by that belonging to 
Begum Sumroo, and by another brigade of infantry, the name of whose com¬ 
mander I have not ascertained. The enemy’s army was collected about Bo- 
kerdun, and between that place and Jaffierabad. 

I was near Colonel Stephenson’s corps on the 21st, and had a conference 
with that officer, in which we concerted a plan to attack the enemy’s army 
with the divisions under our command on the 24th in the morning, and we 
marched on the 22d, Colonel Stephenson by the western route, and I by the 
eastern route round the hills between Budnapur and Jalna. 

On the 23d I arrived at Naulniah, and there received a report that Scindiah 

and 




110 


and the Rajah of Berar had moved off in the morning with their cavalry, and 
that the infantry were about to follow, but were still in camp at the distance 
of about six miles from the ground on which I had intended to encamp. It 
was obvious that the attack was no longer to be delayed, and having provided 
for the security of my baggage and stores at Naulniah, I marched on to attack 
the enemy. 

I found the whole combined army of Scindiah and the Rajah of Berar 
encamped on the bank of the Kaitna River, nearly on the ground which I had 
been informed that they occupied. Their right, which consisted entirely of 
cavalry, was about Bokerdun, and extended to their corps of infantry, which 
were encamped in the neighbourhood of Assye. Although I came first in front 
of their right, I determined to attack their left - s as the defeat of their corps of 
infantry was most likely to be effectual ; accordingly I marched round to their 
left flank, covering the march of the column of infantry by the British cavalry 
in the rear, and by the Marhatta and Mysore cavalry on the right flank. 

We passed the river Kaitna at a ford beyond the enemy’s left flank, and I 
formed the infantry immediately in two lines with the British cavalry, as a 
reserve in a third, in an open space between that river and a Nullab running 
parallel to it. The Marhatta and Mysore cavalry occupied the ground beyond 
the Kaitna on our left flank, and kept in check a large body of the enemy’s 
cavalry, which had followed our march from the right of their own position. 

The enemy bad altered the position of their infantry previous to our at¬ 
tack i it was no longer, as at first, along the Kaitna, but extended from that 
river across to the village of Assye, upon the Nullah, which was upon our 
right. We attacked them immediately, and the troops advanced under a very 
hot fire from cannon; the execution of which was terrible. The picquets of 
the infantry, and the 74th regiment, which were on the right of the first and 
second lines, suffered particularly from the fire of the guns on the left of the 
enemy’s position near Assye. The enemy’s cavalry also made an attempt to 
charge the 74th regiment at the moment when they were most exposed to this 
fire, but they were cut up by the British cavalry, which moved on at that moment. 
At length the enemy’s line gave way in all directions, and the British cavalry 

cut 


/ 


Ill 


cut in among their broken infantry j but some of their corps went off in good 
order, and a fire was kept up on our troops from many of the guns from which 
the enemy had been first driven, by individuals who had been passed by the 
line under the supposition that they were dead. 

Lieutenant Colonel Maxwell, with the British cavalry, charged one large 
body of infantry, which had retired and was formed again, in which ope¬ 
ration he was killed; and some time elapsed before we could put an end to 
the straggling fire, which was kept up by individuals from the guns from which 
the enemy were driven. The enemy’s cavalry also, which had been hovering 
round us throughout the action, was still near us. At length, when the last 
formed body of infantry gave way, the whole went off, and left in our hands, 
ninety pieces of cannon. 

This victory, which was certainly complete, has however cost us dear. Your 
Excellency will perceive, by the enclosed return, that our loss in offices 
and men has been very great j and in that of Lieutenant Colonel Max¬ 
well and other officers, whose names are therein included, greatly to be 
regretted. 

I cannot write in too strong terms of the conduct of the troops; they ad¬ 
vanced in the best order, and with the greatest steadiness, under a most 
destructive fire, against a body of infantry far superior in numbers, who ap¬ 
peared determined to contend with them to the last, and who were driven 
from their guns only by the bayonet; and, notwithstanding the numbers of the 
enemy’s cavalry, and the repeated demonstrations they made of an intention 
to charge, they were kept at a distance by our infantry. 

I am particularly indebted to Lieutenant Colonel Harness, and Lieutenant 
Colonel Wallace, for the manner in which they conducted their brigades j and 
to all the officers of the staff for the assistance I received from them., The 
officers commanding brigades, nearly all those of the staff, and the mounted 
officers of the infantry, had their horses shot under them. 

I have also to draw Your Excellency’s notice to the conduct of the cavalry, 
commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Maxwell, particularly that of the 19th 
dragoons. 

The enemy are gone off towards the Adjuntee Ghaut, and I propose to 

follow 


112 


follow them as soon as I can place my captured guns and the wounded in 
security, 

1 have the honor to be, Mv Lord, 

With the greatest respect. 

Your Excellency’s most obedient 

And faithful humble servant. 


(Signed) 


ARTHUR WELLESLEY. 


Colonel Stevenson arrived this morning at Bokerdun, and I imagine that he 
will be here this evening. 

His Excellency the Governor General, &c. &c. &c. 


A Return 


A lie turn of the Killed , Wounded , and Missing, of the Detachment under the Command of Major-General 
the Honorable Arthur Wellesley, at the Battle of Assye , against the Army of Dowlut Rao 
Scindiah, on Friday the 23d of September, 1803. 


KILLED. 



EUROPEANS. 

1 NATIVES. 

Commissioned. 

Volunteers or Cadets. 

Staff. 

Non Commissioned Staff. 

Serjeants. 

Trumpets or Drummers. 

Rank and File. 

Offirs. 

Havildars or 2d Tindals. 



Gun Lascars. 

Farriers. 

Puckallies or Beastis. 

Total, including Officers. 

Horses. 

\ Lieut. Colonels. 

Majors. 

[ Captains. 

j Capt. Lieutenants. 

j Lieutenants. 

Cornets or Ensigns. 

Lieut, and Adjutant. 

Quarter Master. 

Surgeon. 

Subidars or Syrangs. 

Jemidars or 1st Tindals | 

Trumpeters or Drummers, 

Rank and File. 

Officers. | 

Regimental. 


~H. M. 19th Regt. Light Dragoons, - 

1 


1 











15 









17 

10 

77 

C* 1 

)H. C. 4th Regt. Native Cavalry, - - 



1 













1 


1 

13 




16 

4 

65 


iH. C. 5th Regt. Native Cavalry, - - 








1 










1 

11 




13 

6 

80 


[_H. C. 7th Regt. Native Cavalry, - - 

















2 


8 




10 


83 

1 

1st Battalion of the Madras Artillery, 




2 

2 







1 


11 






2 


1 

19 



Detachment of 

) 2d Battalion of the Madras Artillery, 














4 






4 



8 



Artillery. 

) Bombay Artillery, - — - - - - - j 














6 






2 



8 



i 

Attached to the Cavalry Guns,- 












1 











1 




£ His Majesty’s 74th Regiment, - - - 



4 


6 


1 





9 


104 









124 




(His Majesty’s 78th Regiment, - - - 





1 







1 


22 









24 




^Tlm 1st Bat. 2d Regt. Nat. Infantry, j 





1 












1 

1 

17 



1 

21 



• 

The 1st Bat. 4th Regt. Nat. Infantry, : 





1 










1 


1 


24 




27 



ft Tnt T„f , 

The 1st Bat. 8th Regt. Nat. Infantry, 















3 

1 

4 

1 

38 




47 




The 1st Bat. 10th Regt. Nat. Infantry, 





1 






1 






4 


29 




35 




The 2d Bat. 12th Regt.Nat. Infantry, 















1 


1 


41 




43 




^Pioneers, (1st Battalion of) - 
















1 



14 




15 




Total 

1 

1 * 

! 6 

2 

12 

! i 

1 



1 j 12 


162 

5 

si 

isj 

4 

195 

8 


2 

428 

20 

305 



WOUNDED. | 

MISS1NC 

'I 

T. 

EUROPEANS. 

NATIVES. 

| Rank and File. 

[ Gun Lascars. 

| Total missing. 

Hrs. 

Commissioned. 


Staff. 


| Non Commissioned Staffs. 

j Serjeants. 

| Trumpeters or Drummers. 

Rank and File. 

! Offirs. 

| Havildars or 2d Tindals. 

| Trumpeters or Drummers. 

Rank and File. 

| Gun Lascars. 

c/3 

u 

'u 

5h 

03 

| Puckallees or Beasties. 

Total, including Officers. 

Horses. 

Lieut. Colonels. 

Majors. 

Captains. 

Captain Lieutenants. 

Lieutenants. 

Cornets or Ensigns. 

Lieut, and Adjutant. 

Lieut, and Quarter Master, 

Surgeons. 

| Assistant Surgeons. 

c/3 

bJC 

c5 

S-H 

1 ^ 
C/2 

u 

O 

C/5 

5-i 

05 

r2 

is 

C/2 

| J emidars or 1 st. Tindals. 

| Officers. 

Regimental. 

| Officers. 

| Regimental. 


"H. M. 19th Regt. Lt. Drag. 1 



2 


2 







6 

2 

28 









40 


36 





2 

Cavalry. -< 

H. C. 4th Regt. Native Cav. 
H. C. 5th Regt. ditto ditto, 



i 


1 

1 


1 









2 

2 


24 

28 




27 

33 


22 

26 

1 


1 




H. C. 7th Regt. ditto ditto, 



i 













4 

1 


27 




33 


27 







1st Bat. of the Madras Art. 












1 


16 


1 

2 



19 



39 




2 

2 



Detach - > 

I 2d Bat. of the Madras Art. 












1 


7 

1 





7 



16 








ment of - 

Bombay Artillery, - - -j 












1 


5 






8 



14 









Attached to Cavalry Guns, 
















1 




1 



2 









f His Majesty’s 74th Regt. 


1 


1 

3 

1 






17 

4 

250 









277 








Eur. Inf. 

£ His Majesty’s 78th ditto, 




1 

2 

1 






8 


65 









77 



4 


4 




’'1st Bat. 2d Regt. Nat. Inf. 

















2 


20 




22 



3 


3 




1st Bat. 4th Regt. Nat. Inf. 











1 




l 


6 


82 




90 



1 


1 




1st Bat. 8th Regt. Nat. Inf. 





4 










2 

1 

7 

3 

109 



1 

127 








Hat. Inf. < 

1st Bat. 10th Regt. Nat. Inf. 





1 










3 

1 

6 

3 

90 



1 

105 



2 


2 




2d Bat. 12th Regt. Nat. Inf. 

1 

1 



4 










5 

b 

9 


160 




185 








(_Pioneers, (1st Battalion of) 
















3 

2 


46 




51 



5 


5 




Total 

| 1 

2 

4 

2 

17 

s| 

1 



1 

34 

6 

371 

12 

16 

39 

6 

586 

35 


2 

1138 


111 

4 6 

2 

18 


2 


P 



























































































































H4 


List of Officers killed and wounded. 


HIS MAJESTY’S NINETEENTH 

LIGHT REGIMENTS. 

Lt. Col. Maxwell, 

killed, 

commanding the cavalry. 

Captain R. Boyle, 

do. 


Captains Cathcart, 

wounded. 


Sale, 

do. 


Lieuts. Wilson, 

do. 


Young, 

do. 


FOURTH NATIVE CAVALRY. 

Captain H. Mackay, 

killed, 

agent for public cattle. 

Cornet Meredith, 

wounded. 


FIFTH NATIVE CAVALRY. 

Captain J. Colebrooke, 

wounded. 


Lieuts. Bonomi, 

killed. 

adjutant. 

Macleod, 

wounded, 

quarter master. 

Darke, 

do. 


SEVENTH NATIVE CAVALRY. 

Captain Mac Gregor, 

wounded. 


FIRST BATTALION ARTILLERY. 

Capt. Lt. Steele, 

killed. 


Fowler, 

do. 


Lieuts. Lindsay, 

do. 


Griffith, 

do. 


HIS MAJESTY’S SEVENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 

Captains D. Aytone, 

killed. 


A. Dyce, 

do. 


R. Macleod, 

do. 

paymaster of the regiment 

J. Maxwell, 

do. 


Lieuts. J. Campbell, 

do. 


J. M. Campbell, do. 


J. Grant, 

do. 


R. Neilson, 

do. 


L. Campbell, 

do. 


M. Morris, 

do. 



Volunteer 


115 


HIS MAJESTY’S SEVENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, CONTINUED. 


Volunteer G. Tew, 

killed, 

Not on the strength, but recommended 




for an ensigncy. 

Major 

S. Swinton, 

wounded. 


Capt. Lt. N. J. Moore, 

do. 


Lieuts. 

J. A. Mein, 

do. 



Mac Murdo, 

do. 

* 


M. Shawe, 

do. 


Ensign 

B. Kearnan, 

do. 



HIS MAJESTY’S SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

Lieut. 

J. Douglas, 

killed. 


Capt. Lt. 

C. M‘Kenzie, 

wounded. 


Lieuts. 

J. Kinlock, 

do. 



J. Larkin, 

do. 


Ensign 

J. Bethune, 

do. 

acting adjutant. 


Lieut. 


FIRST BATTALION SECOND NATIVE INFANTRY. 
Brown, killed. 


FIRST BATTALION FOURTH NATIVE INFANTRY. 
Lieut. Mavor, killed. 

FIRST BATTALION EIGHTH NATIVE INFANTRY. 
Lieuts. Davie, wounded. 

Fair, do. 

Hunter, do. 

Desgraves, do. 

FIRST BATTALION TENTH NATIVE INFANTRY. 

Lieuts. Perrie, killed. 

Taylor, wounded. 

SECOND BATTALION TWELFTH NATIVE INFANTRY. 


Lt. Col. 

Macleod, 

wounded. 

Major 

M‘Cally, 

do. 

Lieuts. 

Bowdler, 

do. 


Harvey, 

do. 


Smith, 

do. 


De Crez, 

do. 


(Signed) R. BARCLAY, Deputy Adjutant General in Mysore. 

P 2 My 


116 


My Lord, Campy September 30, 1803. 

I HAVE the honor to enclose an account of the ordnance taken from the 
enemy in the action of the 23d instant. I have reason to believe that there are 
still four more guns, which were thrown into the river by the enemy in their 
retreat. 

We have taken seven stand of colours, and the enemy lost all their ammu¬ 
nition, although the tumbrils having blown up, some during the action, and 
others during the succeeding night, we have got nothing but the shot. The 
ordnance is very fine; but I have destroyed the iron guns, and shall put the 
brass guns in a place of security. 

The enemy lost twelve hundred men killed in the field of battle, and their 
wounded are scattered in all parts of the country. It is reported that Jadoon 
Row, Scindiah’s principal minister, received a wound, of which he died the 
day before yesterday. Their army are in the greatest confusion, and retiring 
to Burhaunpoor. Colonel Stevenson has followed them down the Adjuntee 
Ghaut, and I propose to descend the Ghauts, as soon as I shall have placed 
the wounded soldiers in security. 

I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

With the greatest respect. 

Your Excellency’s most obedient 
And faithful humble servant, 

(Signed) ARTHUR WELLESLEY. 

Bis Excellency the Governor General &c. &c, &V. 


A Return 


117 


A Return of Ordnance, taken from the Enemy in (he Battle of the 23 d September , 

1803. 



The number of tumbrils, and quantity of ammunitions and stores taken, cannot be 
pertained, as, after the action and during the night, a great number of tumbrils were 
blbwn up. 

(Signed) M. BEAUMAN, Capt. Comg. Artillery. 

Camp Ass ye, 29 th September , 1803. 

Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 


Fort William , October 31, 1803. 

A DISPATCH, of which the following is a copy, was yesterday received 
from the Secretary to the Honorable the Governor in Council of Bombay. 

To JOHN LUMSDEN, Esq. 

Chief Secretary to the Supreme Government , at Fort William. 

Sir, 

I AM directed, by the Honorable the Governor in Council, to forward 
to you, for the information of His Excellency the most noble the Governor 

General 





























118 


General in Council, the enclosed copy of a dispatch under this date, from the 
commanding officer of the forces, with its enclosures, respecting the capitula¬ 


tion of Powaughur. 

Major General Nicolls has been desired to communicate to the officer m 
command, and to the other officers and men doing duty at the reduction of 
Champaneer and Powaughur, the entire approbation of government of their 


very meritorious services. 


Bombay Castle, 
September 27, 1803 


I have the honor to be,, 

SIR, 

Your most obedient humble Servant, 

(Signed) J. A. GRANT, 
Sec. to Govt. 


<to the Honorable JONATHAN DUNCAN, Esq. 

Hon’ble Sir, President and Governor in Council. 

The enclosed is a copy of a letter from Colonel Murray, giving cover to one 
from Lieut. Colonel Woodington, respecting the capitulation of Powaughur. 

I have the honor to be, &c. &c. &c. 

(Signed) O. NICOLLS, M. G. 

Bombay, September 27, 1803. 

No. l. 

Major General NICOLLS. 

SIR, . r 

I have the honor to enclose a letter which I received this morning from 
Lieut. Colonel Woodington. It is necessary to inform you that the delay of 
this important communication arises from the miscarriage of the Colonels 
letter, although sent in duplicate. 


Colonel 


119 


Colonel Woodington highly praises the zeal and activity of the troops under 
his command, and, to judge by their success, the praise is well merited. 

Colonel Woodington has, in a most particular manner, requested that I 
should lay the meritorious services of Serjeant Moore, of His Majesty’s 86th 
regiment, before you. He led the Forlorn Hope at the assault of Baroach, and 
behaved with the utmost gallantry on that occasion. Major Cuylor speaks 
highly in favor of his general character. 

I have the honor to be, &c. &c. 

(Signed) J. MURRAY, Colonel. 
Head Quarters, Baroda , September 21 , 1803. 


No. 2. 

To Colonel MURRAY, 

Sir, Commanding the Forces in the Guzerat. 

In consequence of your communication to me last night, that you had not 
received my official communication on the surrender of Powaughur by capitu¬ 
lation, I have the honor to address you again on the subject. 

After a breach had been effected in the wall of the inner fort, as also that 
another was almost practicable in a tower at the angle of the outer fort, the 
garrison offered to capitulate on the morning of the 17th, on condition of 
being protected in their persons and private property. To these terms I 
agreed, on condition of immediately taking possession of the breach in the 
inner wall with a company of Sepoys : they however tacked other stipulations 
to the capitulation 5 viz. that I should agree to pay them the arrears due from 
Scindiah, and that two of the commanders of the Guikawar cavalry with me 
(amounting to about 300 horse) should sign the agreement. To these latter 
articles I would on no account agree j and it was not until four P. M. when 
they found, from our continuing to batter, that I would admit of no delay, that 
they agreed to the original terms, which were immediately carried into full 
effect, by their evacuation of the fort and mountain, of which we took pos¬ 
session. 


4 


If 


120 


If this had not taken place, I had made the necessary arrangements for 
storming both breaches on the morning of the 18th; and I conceive that the 
garrison were intimidated from a knowledge that, if they opposed us on our 
entering the breaches, their communication with the upper fort would be cut 
off, and they had no other way to escape than the road which led down by 
our battery. 

Could they have obtained possession of the upper fort, or Balia Killa, at the 
top of the mountain, I am inclined to think it utterly impregnable. 

I have left Captain Cliffe, of the engineers, to take a plan and view of the 
forts and works on the mountain, which I doubt not, from his known abilities, 
will be ably executed. 

It is with the greatest pleasure that I embrace this opportunity of submit¬ 
ting, for your notice, the merits, zeal, and great exertions of all ranks on this 


service. 


I have the honor to be, &c. &c. 


Baroda, September 21, 1803. 


(Signed) H. WOODINGTON, 

Lieut . Colonel . 


Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 


Fort William , November 1, 1803. 

DISPATCHES have been received this day from the Honorable Major 
General Wellesley, under date the 6th of October, 1803; containing intelli¬ 
gence that, on the 5th of October, Major General Wellesley had received a 
letter from the enemy’s camp, signed by Ballajee Khoonjur, one of the mi¬ 
nisters of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, requesting that Major General Wellesley 
would dispatch a British officer, together with an officer of the Subahdar 
of the Dekan, to the enemy’s camp, for the purpose of negotiating terms of 
peace between the allies and the confederate Marhatta chieftains. 

Major General Wellesley had not complied with this request, but had 

signified 




121 


signified his disposition to receive at the British camp, with every mark of 
honor and respect, any person duly empowered by the direct authority of 
Dowlut Rao Scindiah, or of the Rajah of Berar, to propose terms of peace to 
the allied powers. 

Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 


GENERAL ORDERS, 

By His Excellency the most noble the Governor General in Council. 

Fort William , October 30, 1803. 

THE Governor General in Council has this day received from Major 
General the Honorable Arthur Wellesley the official report of the signal and 
splendid victory obtained by the troops under the personal command of that 
distinguished officer, on the 23d of September, at Assye in the Dekan, over 
the combined armies of Dowlut Rao Scindiah and the Rajah of Berar. 

At the close of a campaign of the most brilliant success and glory in every 
quarter of India, this transcendent victory demands a testimony of public 
honor equal to any which the justice of the British government in India has 
ever conferred on the conduct of our officers and troops in the most distin¬ 
guished period of our military history. 

The Governor in Council highly approves the skilful plan formed by Major 
General Wellesley, on the 21st of September, for precluding the escape of the 
enemy, and for reducing their combined army to the necessity of hazarding a 
general action. 

His Excellency in Council also signifies his most cordial approbation of the 
magnanimity, promptitude, and judgment, with which Major General Wel¬ 
lesley determined upon the instantaneous attack of the enemy on the 23d of 
September. 

During the severe action which ensued, the conduct of Major General 
Wellesley united a degree of ability, of prudence* and dauntless spirit, seldom 
equalled, and never surpassed. 

Q The 


toyea foyfsi Eaflgorttt 




122 


The Governor General in Council signifies his warmest applause of the 
Exemplary order and steadiness with which the troops advanced, under a most 
destructive fire, against a body of the enemy’s infantry, considerably superior 
in number, and determined to oppose a vigorous resistance to our attack. The 
numerous infantry of the enemy were driven from their powerful artillery at 
the point of the bayonet, with an alacrity and resolution truly worthy of British 
soldiers, and the firmness and discipline manifested by our brave infantry in 
repelling the great body of the enemy’s cavalry merit the highest commenda¬ 
tion. 

The Governor General in Council has remarked with great satisfaction the 
gallant and skilful conduct of the cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel 
Maxwell, and particularly of His Majesty’s 19th regiment of light dragoons, 
a corps distinguished in India by a long and uninterrupted course of arduous 
service, and of progressive honor. 

His Excellency in Council directs Major General Wellesley to signify to all 
the officers and troops employed on this glorious occasion, and especially to 
Lieutenant Colonel Harness, and to Lieutenant Colonel Wallace, who com¬ 
manded brigades, and to the officers of the staff, the high sense entertained by 
the Governor General in Council of their eminent and honorable services. 

The important benefits resulting from the triumph of our arms in the battle 
of Assye are not inferior to the splendor of the action. The immediate conse¬ 
quences derived from the exertions of that day have been the complete defeat 
of the combined army of the confederate chieftains 5 an irreparable blow to the 
strength and efficiency of their military resources, especially of their artillery, in 
the Dekan 3 the expulsion of an hostile and predatory army from the territory 
of our ally the Soubahdar of the Dekan 3 and a seasonable and effectual check 
to the ambition, pride, and rapacity of the enemy. 

The prosperous result of these advantages must be accelerated by the auspi¬ 
cious progress of our arms in other provinces of India 3 and it may reasonably 
be expected that the decisive victories gained at Delhi and Assye, on the 
!lth and 23d of September, will speedily compel the enemy to restore peace 
to Hindostan and to the Dekan. 

The achievements of our commanders, officers, and troops, during this cam¬ 
paign, 


123 

paign, and especially in the signal victories of Delhi and of Assye, must inspire 
a general sentiment of just confidence in the vigor of our military resources, 
and in the stability of our dominion and power. Our uniform success in 
frustrating every advantage of superior numbers of powerful artillery, and 
even of obstinate resistance opposed by the enemy, constitutes a satisfactory- 
proof of the established superiority of British discipline, experience, and 
valor; and demonstrates that the glorious progress of our arms is not the 
accidental result of a temporary or transient advantage, but the natural and 
certain effect of a permanent cause. 

From these reflections consolation is to be derived for the loss of those 
lamented and honored officers and soldiers who, animated by the gallant spirit 
of their general, and emulating the noble example of his zeal and courage, 
sacrificed their lives to the honor and interests of their country. 

The Governor General in Council greatly regrets the loss of Lieutenant 
Colonel Maxwell, of His Majesty’s 19th dragoons, who fell at the head of the 
British cavalry, bravely charging a large body of the enemy’s infantry. With 
the utmost concern His Excellency in Council records the names of the valu¬ 
able and excellent officers, who have fallen with glory at the battle of Assye, 
in achieving the complete defeat of the enemy, and in establishing the triumph 
of the British arms in the Dekan. Lieutenant Colonel Maxwell; Captains 
R. Boyle, H. Mackay, D. Aytone, A. Dyce, R. Macleod, and T. Maxwell; 
Captain Lieutenants Steele and Fowler; Lieutenants Bonomi, Griffith, 
J. Campbell, J. M. Campbell, J. Grant, R. Neilson, L. Campbell, M. Morris, 
and J. Douglas; Lieutenants Brown, Mavor, Perrie, and Volunteer Tew. 

In testimony of the high honor acquired by the army under the personal 
command of Major General Wellesley, at the battle of Assye, the Governor 
General in Council is pleased to order that honorary colours, with a device 
properly suited to commemorate that splendid victory, be presented to the 
corps of cavalry and infantry employed on that glorious occasion. The names 
of the brave officers and men who fell at the battle of Assye will be commemo- 
rated, together with the circumstances of the action, upon the public monu¬ 
ment to be erected at Fort William to the memory of those who have fallen in 
the public service during the present campaign. 

Q 2 The 


124 


The honorary colours granted by these orders to His Majesty’s 19th regi¬ 
ment of dragoons, and to the 74th and 78th regiments of foot, are to be used 
by those corps while they shall continue in India, or until His Majesty’s most 
gracious pleasure be signified through His Excellency the Commander in 
Chief. 

His Excellency the most noble the Governor General, Captain General and 
Commander in Chief of all the land forces serving in the East Indies, is pleased 
to direct that these orders be publicly read to the troops under arms at every 
station of the land forces in the East Indies; and that the European officers 
do cause the same to be duly explained to the native officers and troops. 

By command of His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

L. HOOK, Sec. to the Govt. Mil. Dept. 

By His Excellency the Captain General and 
Commander in Chief of the Land Forces, 

J. ARMSTRONG, Actg. Mil. Sec. 


Fort William, November 2, 1803. 

A DISPATCH, of which the following is a copy, has been this day received 
by His Excellency the most noble the Governor General, from His Excellency 
the Commander in Chief. 

To His Excellency the most noble 


MARQUIS WELLESLEY, 

Governor General , &c. &c. &c. 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to enclose, for your Lordship’s information, correct returns 
of the ordnance, ammunition, &c. captured at this place. 

I have the honor to be. My Lord, 

Your Lordship’s most faithful humble Servant, 

(Signed) G. LAKE. 

Head Quarters, Camp at Agra, October 23, 1803. 

Return 




125 


Return of the Ordnance , Ammunition , &c. captured at the Attack of the 
Enemy's Camp under the Walls of the Fort , and the Town of Agra. 

Camp, October 22, 1803. 

2 brass 16 pounders, 

16 ditto 6 ditto, f Mounted on field carriages with limbers 

7 ditto 4 ditto, complete. 

1 ditto 3 ditto, j 

26 pieces of different natures. 

26 tumbrils laden with ammunition for the above. 

29 ammunition carriages ditto ditto. 

REMARKS. 

The above ordnance appear to be perfectly u serviceable,” excepting one brass four- 
pounder which is burst. 

The whole of the pieces are of the same manufacture as those captured at Dehli. 

(Signed) J. HORSFORD, 

Lieut. Col. commanding Artillery in the Field. 

♦ < „ J ' | 

A TRUE COPY j 

(Signed) G. A. F. LAKE, Military Secretary. 


Returns of Ordnance , Ammunition , &c. captured in the Fort of Agra , 

Camp at Agra, October 22, 1803. 

BRASS GUNS. 

1 Large gun.—' This is the famous piece known by the name of the Great Gun at 
Agra. It is said to be composed of many metals, including all the 
precious ones. Its ball measures 22 inches: such a one, if of cast 
iron, weighs nearly 1500 lbs. 

72 pounder.—This gun is said to be of the same composition as the above one. 
20 * ditto. 


1 

1 

1 

5 

1 

19 


10 ditto. 
9 ditto. 
8 ditto. 
6 ditto. 


IRON GUNS. 

1 32 pounder. 


24 ditto. 
18 ditto. 


29 Carriedforward. 


3 Carried forward. 


5 pounder. 


12 6 


BRASS GUNS. 

29 Brought forward. 

6 5 pounder. 

7 4 ditto. 

2 3 ditto. 

2 2 ditto. 

5 1 ditto. 

2 18 pounder carronades. 

1 16 ditto. 

1 8 ditto carronade. 

1 3 ditto galloper. 

2 2 ditto. 

1 1 1 ditto. 

3 1 ditto. 

9 wall guns. 

1 12 inch mortar. 

1 8 ditto. 

1 6 inch howitzer. 

1 5f ditto. 

I 4f ditto. 

76 brass guns, of different natures. 


IRON GUNS. 

3 Brought forward. 

4 12 pounder. 

1 10 ditto. 

1 8 ditto. 

6 6 ditto. 

4 5 ditto. 

6 4 ditto. 

6 3 ditto, 

6 2 ditto. 

4 1 ditto. 

11 2 pounder gallopers. 

4 If ditto. 

4 1 ditto. 

26 wall guns. 

86 iron guns, of different natures. 
33 tumbrils. 


ABSTRACT. 

Brass pieces, of different natures,..... 76 

Iron ditto ditto, ........ . . 86 


REMARKS. 


162 


The brass pieces are in general of the same manufacture as those taken in the camp and 
town. Of the iron ones, several are what are termed bar guns. 

The whole are mounted, either on travelling carriages with elevating screws, or on 
country block carriages turning on a large pivot. Several spare carriages are ready to receive 
pieces which may be broken down. 

In the magazines are large quantities of gunpowder, shot, rockets, &c. &c. but the pre¬ 
cise weight and number not yet ascertained. 

(Signed) JNO. HORSFORD, 

Liqut. Col. Com. Art. in Field . 


G. A. F. LAKE, Mil. Sec. 


A true Copy, 


(Signed) 


The 




127 


The following extracts of dispatches, received from Lieutenant Colonel 
Harcourt and Captain Morgan, are published for general information. 


Sir, 


To Captain ARMSTRONG, 

Acting Military Secretary to His Excellency 

'The most noble the Governor General. 


I request you will have the goodness to report to His Excellency the most 
noble the Governor General that, in obedience to His Excellency’s commands, 
I have proceeded to Ganjam, and have this morning assumed the command of 
the field force assembled under His Excellency’s orders. 

I find this force sufficiently supplied with every requisite to enable it to 
move immediately, and I shall, in consequence, proceed from hence to¬ 
morrow. 

I expect in three marches to reach the Manickapatam River, which I trust 
I shall pass on the day of my arrival; from thence it is two marches to Jagger- 
naut, where, from the necessary arrangements that must take place, I shall be 
detained some days. 

I have the honor to be. Sir, 

Your most obedient servant, 

(Signed) GEO. HARCOURT, Liem. Col . 

In Camp at Pyaghee, September 11, 1803. 



To Captain ARMSTRONG, 

Acting Military Secretary to His Excellency 

I he most noble the Governor General , 

Sir, 

I am now within a short march of the village of Manickapatam, where I 
am told five thousand infantry and two thousand horse are stationed to 
oppose my passage but I am not led to expect any serious difficulties in 

possessing 


128 


possessing myself to-morrow morning (or in the course of this night) of 
that post. 


I have the honor to be. Sir, 

Your most obedient servant, 

(Signed) GEO. HARCOURT, Lieut . Cel 


Camp at Meetacoah> September 13 , 1803 . 


To Captain ARMSTRONG, 

Acting Military Secretary to His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General. 

Sir, 

I have the greatest satisfaction in stating to you, for the information of His 
Excellency the most noble the Governor General, that I shall not be de¬ 
tained at this place beyond to-morrow, when I shall move towards Jaggernaut, 
having in two days passed a river not fordable, near .a mile in breadth, with all 
the troops, camp equipage, stores, and cattle, &c. &c.—I have also landed 
from the transport vessels two 18 -pounders, with their carriages, &c. 

If it had not been for uncommon exertions from all corps, each individual 
and each department generally, I could not possibly have so expeditiously 
effected this operation. 

I shall march to-morrow to Nursingapatam, and from thence, on the follow¬ 
ing day, to Jaggernaut. . _ , 

I have the satisfaction to acquaint you, for the information or His Excel¬ 
lency the most noble the Governor General, that although I am encamped in 
the midst of a highly cultivated country, surrounded by villages, whose inha¬ 
bitants have not deserted them, or who having, at the moment of our first 
taking possession of this part of the province of Cuttack, left their houses, 
are already returned to them, I have not received a single complaint. My 
bazar is supplied by the native inhabitants, and a degree of confidence and 
security is manifested, and, I trust from the measures I have adopted, is com¬ 
pletely experienced and established, which leaves me no more reason to 
1 „ doubt 


129 


doubt the continuance of that confidence than I have to doubt the continuance 
of the security. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, 

Your most obedient Servant, 

(Signed) GEO. HARCOURT, Lieut. Col. 

Camp at Manickapatam , September 16 , 1803 . 


In Camp at Jaggernaut, September 18 , 1803 . 


Sir, 

I beg you will be pleased to state to his Excellency the most noble 
the Governor General, that we have this day taken possession of the city of 
Jaggernaut. 

Upon application from the chief Bramins of the Pagoda, I have afforded 
them guards (of Hindoos), and a most satisfactory confidence is shewn by the 
Bramins, priests, and officers of the Pagoda, and by the inhabitants of 
Jaggernaut, both in their present situation, and the future protection of the 
British government. 

From the general good conduct of the troops under my command, and 
from the strict attention which has been paid to my orders for preventing all 
interference with the inhabitants and natives, framed under the express 
injunctions of his Excellency the most noble the Governor General, not a 
single complaint has been made to me; though I have, by every practicable 
means, invited a direct communication of the least deviation from this im¬ 
portant duty. 

I humbly beg leave to congratulate his Excellency the most noble the 
Governor General on this important acquisition to the British possessions 
in India. 


And I have the honor to be. Sir, 

Your most obedient and humble Servant, 


To Captain ARMSTRONG, 

Actg. Mil. Sec. (Ac. (Ac. (Aa 

R 


GEO. HARCOURT, Lieut. Col. 


Laul 


ISO 


Laid Bang Fort , Cuttack , October 24 , 180 $. 
Sir, _ 

On the 24th ultimo, I marched with the force under my command from 
Jaggernaut to Ahmedpoor, and I did not reach my ground of encampment 
without great difficulty, owing to the extreme badness of the weather, the 
inundated state of the country, and the rise of the Nullahs crossing my line 
of march. 

My advanced guard, under the command of Captain Hutchinson of the 
20th Bengal regiment, was several times annoyed by the enemy, but from the 
able management of that officer, our loss was not severe : it consisted in three 
men wounded, as appears in the enclosed general return.—The loss of the 
enemy, I understand, was considerable. 

The difficulties that impeded the march of the line detained the heavy guns 
and baggage for five days - y when I proceeded to Beirpoorshuttumpoor, where 
I was again detained by the badness of the road and weather until the 
3d instant. 

Having thought it expedient to order a force in advance from Beirpoor¬ 
shuttumpoor, I detached the acting field officer of the day, with orders to 
occupy a position near Muckundpoor, which service again fell to Captain 
Hutchinson: immediately on his leaving camp he discovered the enemy on 
his flanks in considerable force, both of horse and infantry ; but he, notwith¬ 
standing much opposition, most completely carried my orders into effect. I 
regret to state that his loss was not inconsiderable; it consisted in two killed 
and twenty-one wmunded. The loss of the enemy was very great, from their 
being frequently exposed to a heavy discharge of grape from the six-pounder 
with Captain Hutchinson. 

I cannot omit reporting to you, for his Excellency’s information, the 
conduct of Captain Hutchinson was most steady, able, and highly me¬ 
ritorious. 

On the night of the 4th, I moved towards Muckundpoor, when the advance 
under Lieutenant Colonel Clayton was again opposed by the enemy; but from 

a well 


131 


a well directed and a very destructive fire they were completely dispersed, 
whilst our loss consisted of only one pioneer wounded. 

From Muckundpoor to the banks of the Kutjoory, we met with no opposition 
from the enemy, and my letters of the 11th and following days completely 
detail my subsequent operations. 

I have the honor to be. Sir, 

Your most obedient and humble Servant, 

(Signed) GEO. HARCOURT, 

Lieut. Colonel commanding in Cuttack , and 
Military Secretary to His Excellency the 
most noble the Governor General . 



R 2 


Return 


Return of the Killed and Wounded of His Majesty's and the Honourable Company's Troops, under the Command 
of Lieutenant Colonel HARCouRT,/mw the 24 /A September to 14 th October, 1803 . 


132 


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Captain Hurlstone of His Majesty’s 22d Regiment. (Signed) GEORGE HARCOURT, 

Captain Kenny of the 1st Battalion 19th Madras Regiment. I*"*- Col. commanding, m Cuttaci, 

Lieutenant Faithfull of the Bengal Artillery. 




























































133 


To Captain ARMSTRONG, 

Acting Military Secretary , &c. &c. 

English Factory House , Balasore, Sept. 22, 1803. 

Sir, 

My letter of the 20th, from the entrance of the Balasore River, and that of 
last night, to Lieutenant Colonel Fegusson, copies of which I requested might 
be sent to you for the information of His Excellency the most noble the 
Governor General, &c. 8zc. will, in a small degree, have apprized you of the 
operations of the detachment which His Lordship was pleased to honor me 
with the command of for the last two days; but, for his better information, I 
shall proceed to state circumstances in detail from the fleet of transports leav¬ 
ing Kedgeree on the 14th instant. 

Owing to adverse winds, the transports, &c. as per margin*, only made the 
Neelgharee Hills in the afternoon of the 17th instant, distant from the Bar, at 
the entrance of the Balasore River, about sixteen miles. 

Early in the morning of the 18th, Mr. Wright, the pilot, left the Alexander, 
and proceeded to explore the Bar, and, if possible, obtain, by amicable means, 
some native pilots, but without effect; as at Bellanghurry House, near to the 
entrance into the river, was a post of Marhatta infantry, who, in failing to 
entice him on shore, fired into his boat without doing any injury. 

Mr. Wright then returned to the Bar, and, with the assistance of Mr. Pike, 
the pilot from the George, in another boat, by his perseverance, zeal, and 
superior abilities, found out the channel, and took the proper bearings, &c. 
for conducting the transports over it. 

Early in the morning of the 19th, we observed the pilots returning to the 
Alexander, when the troops on board the Alexander and Anne were shifted to 
the George, Charles, Fairlie, and Lizard, with the least possible delay. About 
ten o’clock those transports, with the gun vessel, (leaving the Alexander and 
Anne, with the sick of the detachment, and the whole of the baggage, &c. at 

* Alexander, Anne, George, Charles, Fairlie, Lizard hired brig ; Scourge gun vessel, and two 
long-boats. 

anchor) 


134 


anchor) moved down for the entrance of the river, but were obliged to anchor 
close to the Bar, to wait for the next day’s flood tide; soon after which came 
on a severe gale of wind, which continued until the flood had pretty well made 
about nine o’clock in the morning of the 20th, when the vessels as per 
margin* crossed the Bar, entered the Balasore River, and anchored nearly 
opposite Bulramghurry House; leaving the Lizard brig at anchor on the 
outside the Bar, Mr. Wright being in dread of her striking on it from the 
report of her draft of water; however, in passing the Bar, we found, to our 
great satisfaction, full fourteen feet water on it at the height of the flood. 

One of the Indiamen’s long-boats was left with the Lizard, when the gale 
should subside a little, to bring off the two 6-pounders, &c. and the remaining 
part of the detachment of artillery, proportion of ammunition, &c. and.which 
joined us in the river about five o’clock in the evening. 

The party of Marhattas stationed at Bulramghurry House, on seeing the 
vessels coming over the Bar, fled towards Balasore. 

The Lizard hired brig, being much lightened by the detachment of artillery, 
two guns, ammunition, &c. taken out of her, Mr. Wright is confident she can 
come over the Bar without much risk; and Mr. Pike, with another pilot, is 
left with her for that purpose. She could not yesterday attempt it for want of 
wind, but I am in great hopes it has been accomplished this day, or will be to¬ 
morrow. 

The inhabitants from the villages adjacent to the entrance of the river 
flocked to our vessels, and put on board each a native pilot to conduct them 
up the river to this place; expressing their extreme abhorrence of the savage 
Marhattas, and congratulating each other on the happy day that brings them 
under the British government. 

Between six and seven o’clock P. M. the fleet got under weigh to proceed 
up the river, but, from the darkness of the night, and a very heavy fall of rain, 
with the native pilots objecting to proceed, they were obliged, almost imme¬ 
diately, to come to anchor again. 

On the morning of the 21st, the vessels came up as far as possible, but, 
finding they made but little progress, and hearing different reports that a party 

* Scourge gun-vessel, George, Charles, and Fairlie. 


of 


135 


of Marhattas, who had been detached from Balasore, to support their posts at 
the Gauts between this and Jelasore, was returning by forced marches to the 
defence, or to plunder and destroy the town (the latter the most probable 
report), I came to the determination, with the most cordial concurrence of 
Captain Peter Grant, of immediately quitting the gun-vessel and transports, 
and proceeding up the river as far as possible, with two 6-pounders, &c. and 
as many fighting men as the boats would hold. After two hours great exer¬ 
tion, w 7 e arrived at a clear spot of ground, the ebb tide having set in. We 
were told by some of the inhabitants that it was only four miles by land to 
Balasore, but that it would take two or three more flood tides to carry us up to 
it. I deemed it necessary to consult with Captain P. Grant on the practicabi¬ 
lity of carrying the town, &c. without our guns, and he being fully of opinion 
with me (on our seeing the state of the country leading to it) that no time 
should be lost in making the attempt; in consequence of which we landed 
near 300 from the boats, rank and file, and directed our march towards the 
town over paddy fields, inundated from one to three feet in water. 

On approaching the town the detachment halted, to rest and refresh the 
men, when I made the best disposition of my force that I was able for the 
attack. 

About this period intelligence was brought me that the military commander 
of the enemy, by name Nana, had put the Fouzdar Moro Pundit in confine¬ 
ment, because he wished to come over to the English; and that Nana, with 
the force under his command, was determined to dispute our getting posses¬ 
sion of the town and Factory House. 

The entrance into the town, and until near the Factory House, is one con¬ 
tinued strong defile, which we soon found was lined with both cavalry and 
infantry, by their firing on our advanced party; but that party pushing forward 
until very near them, and a flanking party I had detached approaching them 
at the same period, both giving a steady and well-directed fire, the enemy was 
instantly routed from their first position with considerable loss; they say, in 
all, ten or twelve men fell. The detachment kept moving forward, under a 
tedious fire from the tops of houses, the entrances of lanes, and from behind 
walls and heights j returning a spirited fire, at intervals, until it gained the 

Factory 


136 


Factory House, with a loss only of one Sepoy killed, and three wounded; when 
the whole business subsided. 

Parties were immediately posted in all directions outside of the Factory 
House, to keep in awe some of the enemy, who were sniping at us; and from 
which I attribute his not being able to annoy us further. 

I had written a letter to Moro Pundit, the Fouzdar, from the entrance of the 
Balasore River, advising him of my having a letter for him from His Excellency 
the most noble the Governor General, &c. and wished he would point out some 
means of my communicating with him, and for which purpose a gentleman 
with me would be ready to meet him, or any person he should depute. I 
received, in return, a verbal answer of Salam, and that he had received my 
letter. 

His Excellency’s letter I sent, immediately after gaining possession of the 
Factory House, to a part of the outside of the town called the Marhatta Fort, 
to Moro Pundit; but only a similar answer to the foregoing was returned. 
The men who carried the letter informed me that the enemy was quitting it 
with precipitation, and at day-break this morning I took possession of it. 

We found in it three old unserviceable iron guns, on decayed carriages; 
one apparently a six-pounder, another a four-pounder, and a one-pounder. 
No shot, or ammunition of any description. A small quantity of grain of 
different kinds, and two chests, containing papers relative to the Sirkar, which 
shall be taken the greatest care of. 

I have directed Ensign Wilson, of the engineers, to report on state of the 
post, which is certainly much superior in strength and convenience to the one 
we now possess j likewise on the Factory House and Compound ; which shall 
be sent to you in the course of a few days. 

The proclamation in English, with a translation of the same in Hindoostanee, 
were issued this morning, and similar ones sent round and proclaimed by beat 
of drum through the town and the villages near; and it is with peculiar 
pleasure I report the inhabitants returning to every house in great numbers. 

Many of the principal inhabitants, merchants, &c. waited on me last night 
and this morning, expressing uncommon satisfaction at being taken under the 
protection of the British government. 


I have 


137 


I have received the most marked attention, and some little information 
respecting the flight of the enemy, from Mr. Princely, the Danish resident at 
this place. 

By this day’s dawk I have communicated to Lieutenant Colonel Camp¬ 
bell, or officer commanding at Cuttack, my being in possession of this place, 
&c. &c. But I much fear the communication is not open, no dawk for the last 
three days having arrived here from the southward; but Captain Grant will 
endeavour this evening to dispatch, by a private hircarrah, a duplicate of the 
same. 

The dawk arrived this day (and has always been regular) from Calcutta, 
but I have received no letter from Lieutenant Colonel Fergusson. To¬ 
morrow I shall certainly receive an answer to my letter to him of the 20th, 
when every means in our power shall be taken to facilitate his approach to 
this place, by pushing towards him a party to collect boats, &c. at the 
different Nullahs. 

I have just received accounts, which I have every reason to confide in, that 
the enemy, who were stationed between this and Jelasore, at the different 
Ghauts, are flying through the Jungles to gain the hills; and I sincerely 
believe, in three days more, not a single Marhatta will be found between this 
and Jelasore. 

The gun-vessel and transports are not yet in sight, owing to the very strong 
current that prevails in the river. 

To-morrow I shall communicate further to you on this, and the mode to be 
adopted for bringing the sick of the detachment, and the whole of the bag¬ 
gage, from the ships Alexander and Anne, lying in the roads. 

Permit me to request the favor of your recommending to His Excellency the 
officers and men of my detachment, who conducted themselves with great 
steadiness, and I may add gallantry, when I consider the concealed and 
heavy fire from near six hundred of the enemy, which they would have sus¬ 
tained, had they not been dislodged by my advance and flanking parties. 

It is, I believe, needless for me to expatiate on the merits of Captain Peter 
Grant, but I must observe he has completely answered the view's of His 

S Excellency, 


X 38 


Excellency, and that I should deem his advice and assistance of the utmost 
importance on the most trying occasion. 

I have the honor to be. Sir, 

Your most obedient humble Servant, 

(Signed) THO. MORGAN, 

Capt. Commanding the Detachment . 

On the 30th of September, Captain Morgan detached two companies of 
Sepoys, under the command of Lieutenant Slye, to the town of Soorong, about 
twenty miles to the southward of Balasore, for the purpose of dislodging a 
part of the enemy stationed near that place, and of opening a communication 
in the direction of Cuttack. On the 1st of October, Lieutenant Slye attacked 
and defeated a party of the enemy, which had been posted at a village a short 
distance from Soorong. The detachment under Lieutenant Slye, having been 
reinforced by another company from Balasore, took possession of Soorong on 
the 3d of October, without further opposition. 

On the 4th of October, a detachment of native infantry, with a detachment 
from His Excellency the Governor General’s body guard, under the command 
of Lieutenant Colonel Fergusson, which had entered the province of Cuttack 
from Jelasore, arrived at Balasore, without opposition. 

On the 10th, Colonel Fergusson proceeded towards Cuttack, at which place 
a part of his detachment had arrived on the 2d October. During the whole of 
his march, Lieut. Colonel Fergusson received every assistance from the inha¬ 
bitants, who expressed the utmost satisfaction at the prospect of being relieved 
from the oppressions to which they were subjected by the Marhattas, and of 
being speedily placed under the protection of the British government. 



On the 6th of September, a detachment of British troops, under the com¬ 
mand of Lieut. Colonel P. Powell, crossed the Jumna, and entered the pro¬ 
vince of Bundelcund. 

4 


On 


139 


On the 16th September, Lieut. Colonel Powell was joined by Rajah 
Himmut Behadur, with his forces, near Teroa. 

The united detachments reached the river Cane on the 23d of September. 
The troops of Shumshere Behadur were encamped on the opposite bank of 
the river in considerable strength. 

Having reduced several forts in the vicinity of his camp, and having esta¬ 
blished the British authority in the territory lying between the Jumna and the 
Cane, Colonel Powell, accompanied by Himmut Behadur, crossed the latter 
river on the 10th of October. 


The following extract of a letter from Colonel Powell is published by com¬ 
mand of His Excellency the most noble the Governor General in Council. 


Sir, 


To Lieutenant Colonel J. GERARD, 

Adjutant General , Head Quarters. 


In my dispatch of yesterday His Excellency the Commander in Chief will 
have been informed of my having crossed the Cane River, and of the commu¬ 
nication which immediately thereupon took place betwixt the Nawaub Shum¬ 
shere Bahadur and myself. 

After the dispatch of my letter of yesterday, I received another intimation 
from Shumshere’s Vakeel, informing me of his master’s being forced, by the 
persuasion of his Sirdars, to risk an engagement with the detachment under 
my command. 

This morning I accordingly made the necessary arrangements for meeting 
him. At half past ten o’clock the detachment, after a most fatiguing march 
of six hours over a very uneven country, came in sight of Shumshere’s army, 
drawn out in line of battle upon this ground, and their camp all struck. 
Shumshere’s line covered a great extent, and as it was advantageously posted, 
and they appeared advancing, I had every expectation of a general action. I 
advanced in columns of battalions, within 1200 yards of the enemy; 
deployed into line with an intention of advancing in that form as far as the 
ground would permit; but just as the line was formed, a gun of Rajah Him¬ 
mut Behadur’s was fired, which was mistaken as a signal for opening our 

S 2 guns, 


140 


guns, which immediately commenced a cannonade. After five minutes firing, 
the guns were again limbered, in consequence of heavy ploughed fields, 
which rendered it impossible to get them along by the drag ropes. When 
advanced five hundred yards more, our guns recommenced firing. Those of 
the enemy had till now continued playing upon our line with little or no 
effect, but soon after our guns opened the second time, those of Shumshere 
ceased firing, whereupon our guns were again limbered, and the whole line 
advanced as fast as possible, upon which Shumshere’s army began to retire; 
I therefore ordered Captain Webber with the squadron of cavalry and gal- 
loper with 500 of Rajah Himmut Behadur’s horse, to pursue the enemy, 
which they did for three miles, and got within reach of firing upon them with 
the galloper, which opened upon a body of 1500 horse with great effect, 
when they continued to retreat at too great a speed for their pursuers to come 
up with them, whose horses from being twelve hours saddled were com¬ 
pletely jaded. , 

Our loss, as far as I have learnt, does not exceed eight or ten natives killed 
and wounded 3 but amongst the casualties I am sorry to inform you, that 
Captain Farley Smith is included; he was killed by the first cannon shot from 
the enemy. 

At two p’clock P. M. I encamped on the spot where Shumshere’s camp 
stood, and it is my intention to pursue him to-morrow morning to the place 
where I understand he is gone. 

I have further to desire you will report to his Excellency, that the behaviour 
of the whole of the detachment during this day, was such as to merit my 
entire approbation. The following are the articles taken from the enemy 
Two small guns, two tumbrils with ammunition, fourteen horses, and ten gun 
bullocks. 

The Rajah has had seventeen men, and sixteen horses, killed and wounded. 
The loss of the enemy I have not yet ascertained. 

I have the honor to be. Sir, 

Your most obedient Servant, 

(Signed) G. POWELL, 

Lieut. Col . Commanding at Bundelcund. 

Camp at Capsahy October 13, 1803. 

Accounts 


141 


Accounts have been since received, that Shumshere Bahadur has crossed 
the river Betwah, and evacuated the province of Bundelcund. 

Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 


Fort William , November 13, 1803. 

A DISPATCH, of which the following is a copy, has this day beeh 
received from His* Excellency the Commander in Chief, by His Excellency 
the most noble the Governor General. 

His Excellency the most noble 

MARQUIS WELLESLEY, 

&c. GV. fcfr. 

Camp, four Miles to the Westward of Cassowly , Nov. l, 1803. 

My Lord, 

I have the honour to inform your Excellency, that I marched from Agra 
on the 27th ultimo, in pursuit of the Mahratta force, which was composed of 
the brigades which had been detached from the Dekan in the early part of the 
campaign, and of a few battalions which had effected their escape from Delhi. 
I was the more anxious to defeat this corps from its being furnished with a 
numerous artillery. Owing to the detention the army met with from a 
heavy fall of rain, it was not until the 29th that it reached a camp to 
the westward of Futtipoor. From intelligence I received here of the rapid 
manner in which the Mahratta army was moving, I determined to leave the 
heavy artillery, with a proper detachment of infantry for its protection, and 
to pursue the enemy by forced marches, in the hope of being able the more 
speedily to come up with him. On the 31st, the army encamped at a 
short distance from the ground which the enemy had quitted the same 
morning. Possessed of this intelligence, I resolved to make an effort to 
overtake him with all the cavalry of the army, in the intention of delaying 

him 



142 


him by a light engagement, until the infantry should be able to come up. 
To this end the cavalry marched at twelve last night, and having performed a 
distance of more than forty miles in twenty-four hours, came up with the 
enemy this morning soon after day-break. From the sudden manner in 
which I came upon the enemy, I ventured to make an attack with the cavalry 
alone, supported by the mounted artillery,'but finding him too advantageously 
posted to hope for complete success without too much risk, I drew the cavalry 
out of reach of cannon shot, and waited the arrival of the infantry. Soon 
after their arrival, I made a general attack upon the enemy’s position, the 
result of which I have the satisfaction of informing your Excellency has 
been a complete, though I sincerely lament to add, dear-bought victory. 
The enemy were totally defeated, with the loss of all their cannon, tum¬ 
brils, and baggage ; but this important advantage has only been gained by 
the loss of many valuable officers, the principal of whom are, Major General 
Ware, Colonel Vandeleur, Major Griffiths, Major Campbell the deputy 
quarter-master-general, and my Aide de Camp Lieutenant Duval, who 
gloriously fell in this honorable contest. 

I have not been able to ascertain the exact account of our loss in killed 
and wounded, returns of which, with a detailed account of this important 
affair, I shall have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency by the first 
opportunity. 

I have the honor to be. My Lord, 

Your Lordship’s most obedient and humble Servant, 

(Signed) G. LAKE. 



By authentic advices received from camp, it appears that the victory was 
most complete and glorious. All the enemy’s battalions are cut up, or 
taken, and near seventy guns, their whole baggage, bazars, &c. are in our 
possession. The Commander in Chief had two horses killed under him, and 
Major Lake is severely, but not dangerously wounded. 

Published by command of his Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 

GENERAL 


143 


GENERAL ORDERS, 

By His Excellency the most noble the Governor General , and Captain 
General of all the Land Forces serving in the East Indies. 

Fort William , November 13, 1803. 

A royal salute and three vollies of musquetry to be fired at all the stations 
of the army, in honor of the glorious and important victory obtained on 
the ist of November, 1803, near Cassowly in Hindostan, by the army 
under the personal command of his Excellency General Lake, over a large 
body of the enemy’s regular infantry and cavalry, in which the enemy 
were entirely defeated, with the loss of all their guns, tumbrils, and 
baggage. 

By command of His Excellency, 

J. ARMSTRONG, Actg. Mil. See . 


Fort William , November 15, 1803- 

A DISPATCH, of which the following is a copy, has this day been 
received from His Excellency the Commander in Chief, by His Excel- 
lency the most noble the Governor General. 

To His Excellency the most noble the 

MARQUIS WELLESLEY, 

&c. &c. &c. 


My Lord, 


In my dispatch of yesterday’s date, I did myself the honor to state, for 
your lordship’s information, some particulars of the march of the army, from 
Agra to the camp it now occupies, together with the general result of the 
action which took place yesterday. I now have the honor to send your 
Excellency a more detailed account of that affair. 

After a forced march of twenty-five miles, which was performed by the 
cavalry in little more than six hours, I came up with the enemy, who 
appeared to be upon their retreat, and in such confusion, that I was tempt¬ 
ed to try the effect of an attack upon him with the cavalry alone. By 

cutting 





144 


cutting the embankment of a large reservoir of water, the enemy had rendered 
the road very difficult to pass, which caused a considerable delay in the 
advance of the cavalry ; of this the enemy had availed himself to take an 
advantageous post, having his right upon a rivulet, which we had to cross, 
and his left upon the village of Laswaree ; the whole of his front was amply 
provided with artillery. I was prevented from discovering this change in the 
situation of the enemy by the quantity of dust which, when once clear of 
the water, totally obscured him frodi our sight j I therefore proceeded in 
the execution of my design, by which I hoped to‘prevent his retreat into 
the hills and secure his guns ; directing the advanced guard, and first brigade 
commanded by Colonel Vandeleur, upon the point where I had observed the 
enemy* in motion, but which proved to be the left of his new position j the 
remainder of the cavalry I ordered to attack in succession, as soon as they 
could form after passing the rivulet. 

The charge of the advanced guard, under Major Griffith, and that of the 
first brigade, led by Colonel Vandeleur, was made with much gallantry; the 
enemy’s line was forced, and the cavalry penetrated into the village; they still 
however continued to be exposed to a most galling fire of cannon and 
musquetry, which, as it was impossible, under such circumstances, to form the 
squadrons for a fresh attack, determined me to withdraw them. The guns 
which had fallen into our hands could not be brought away from the want of 
bullocks. In this charge Colonel Vandeleur fell, mortally wounded; in him 
the service has lost a most valuable officer. 

The attacks of the other brigades were conducted with the same spirit, but, 
after taking several of the enemy’s guns, being still fired upon, without being 
able to discover the enemy, they retired in good order, retaining possession of 
a part of the artillery. In the performance of this service, the 3d brigade, 
consisting of His Majesty’s 29th regiment, and the 4th regiment of native 
cavalry, under the command of that meritorious officer Colonel Macan, met 
my entire approbation. 

The infantry, having marched at three A. M. arrived upon the banks of the 
rivulet about eleven o’clock. After so long a march, it was absolutely neces¬ 
sary to allow some time for the men to refresh themselves j during which the 

enemy 


145 


enemy sent in to say that, if certain terms were allowed them, they were wil¬ 
ling to surrender their guns. Anxious to prevent the further effusion of blood, 
I directed a letter to be written, acquiescing in their proposals, and allowing 
them an hour to decide; in the mean time the several columns for the attack 
were formed. The infantry formed in two columns upon the left; the first, com¬ 
posed of the right wing under the command of Major General Ware, was destin¬ 
ed to gain the enemy’s right flank, which he had thrown back since the morn¬ 
ing, leaving a considerable space between it and the rivulet, and to assault the 
village of Laswaree; the second, composed of the left wing, under Major 
General St. 1 John, was to support the first column. The 3d brigade of cavalry, 
under Colonel Macan, was to support the infantry ; the 2d brigade, under 
Lieutenant Colonel Vhndeleur, was detached to the right, to be ready to take 
advantage of any confusion in the enemy’s line, and to attack him upon his 
retreat; the brigade under Colonel Gordon composed the reserve, and was 
formed between the 2d and 3d brigades. As many of the field pieces as 
could be brought up, with the gallopers attached to the cavalry, formed four 
different batteries. 

At the expiration of the time which I had allowed the enemy to decide, I 
ordered the infantry to advance; as soon as they became exposed to the 
enemy’s guns, the four batteries commenced their fire, and continued to 
advance, though opposed by a great superiority, both in number and weight 
of metal. 

When the 76th regiment, which headed the attack, had arrived at the 
point from which I intended to make the charge, they were so much exposed 
to the enemy’s fire, and losing men so fast, that I judged it preferable to pro¬ 
ceed to the attack with that regiment, and as many of the native infantry as 
had closed to the front, to losing time in waiting until the remainder of the 
column should be able to form, the march of which had been retarded by 
impediments in the advance. 

As soon as this handful of heroes were arrived within reach of the enemy’s 
canister shot, a most tremendous fire was opened upon them. The loss they 
sustained was very severe, and sufficient alone to prevent a regular advance; 
at this moment the enemy’s cavalry attempted to charge, but were repulsed 

T by 


146 


by the fire of this gallant body; they however rallied at a short distance, and • ^ 
assumed so menacing a posture, that I thought it advisable to order them to 
be attacked by the cavalry: this service fell to the share of His Majesty’s 29th 
regiment, commanded by Captain Wade (Major Griffith having at that instant 
been unfortunately killed by a cannon shot), and was performed with the 
greatest gallantry, and in a manner which entitles Captain Wade, and every 
officer and soldier in the regiment, to my warmest acknowledgments. The 
remainder of the first column of infantry arrived just in time to join in the 
attack of the enemy’s reserve, which was formed in the rear of his line, with 
its left upon the village of Laswaree, and its right thrown back. 

About this time Major General Ware fell dead, his head being carried off 
by a cannon shot: he was a gallant officer, and one whose loss I deeply lament. 

On his death the command of this column devolved upon Colonel M‘Donald, 
who, though wounded, continued to acquit himself in this important command 
very much to my satisfaction. 

The enemy opposed a vigorous resistance to the last, and it was not until he 
had lost his guns that he .abandoned his post. Even then his left wing did not 
fly, but attempted to retreat in good order; in this however they were frus¬ 
trated by His Majesty’s 27 th regiment, and the 6 th regiment of native cavalry, 
under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Vandeleur, who broke in upon the 
column, cut several to pieces, and drove the rest in prisoners, with the whole 
of the baggage. 

Severe as the loss has been which we have sustained in the achievement of 
this complete victory, that of the enemy has been far greater. With the 
exception of upwards of 2000 who have been taken prisoners (of which num¬ 
ber I have only detained the principal officers, amounting to forty-eight), I 
have reason to believe that very few escaped the general slaughter. 

It would be a violation of my feelings were I to close my dispatch without 
bearing testimony to the gallant conduct of Major M‘Leod and Captain 
Robertson, of His Majesty’s 76th regiment, and of every officer and soldier of 
that inestimable corps, in the attack of the village of Laswaree. Major 
Gregory too, at the head of the 2 d battalion 12 th regiment of native infantry, 
in the same service, displayed a conduct highly meritorious. 

4 


In 


147 


In the list of those officers who particularly distinguished themselves, I 
cannot omit the names of Lieutenant Wallace, of His Majesty’s 27th regi¬ 
ment, who was entrusted with the command of a battery of gallopers; nor 
that of Lieutenant Dixon, of the 6th regiment of native cavalry, who was 
employed in the same service. 

The whole of my staff upon this, as upon every former occasion, are entitled 
to a large share of praise, and to my warmest gratitude. The zeal which they 
displayed upon this memorable day is too plainly proved by the enclosed 
returns of the killed and wounded. I have sustained a great loss by the death 
of Major William Campbell, the deputy quarter-master-general, and by that 
of my aid-de-camp,,Lieutenant Duval, of His Majesty’s 19th light dragoons, 
who was a young man of great promise.. 

Herewith I have the -honor to enclose returns of the ordnance and eolours 
which were captured upon this occasion. 

I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

Your Lordship’s most faithful and humble Servant, 

(Signed) G. LAKE. 

Head Quarters, Camp near Laswaree , November 2, 1803. 

P. S. In the hurry which I wrote my dispatch of yesterday’s date, I fear I 
did not explain to your Lordship that the enemy’s corps which we have 
defeated comprised the whole of the fifteen regular battalions which had been 
sent from the Dekan, under the command of Monsieur Dudernaige, and two 
battalions of the same description which had escaped from Dell*!. I therefore 
have the satisfaction of congratulating your Excellency upon the annihilation 
of the whole of the regular force irj Scindiah’s service, commanded by French 
officers. 

(Signed) G. L. 


T 2 


Return 


Return of Officers and Men, killed and wounded in the Action of the First of November, ISOS. 



KILLED. 

HORSES 

| Major-General. 1 

| Colonel. 

Lieutenant-Colonel. 

Majors. 

l Captain. 

c3 

c 

►H 

Quarter-Masters. 

Cornets. 

Ensign. 

Serjeants. 

Matrosses. 

Rank and File. 

Drummers, &c. 

Subadar. 

</3 

u 

rt 

1 

P 

Havildars. 

Naicks. 

Privates. j 

Serangs. 

Tindals. j 

Lascars. 

etf 

<D 

Syces. j 

Total killed. 

« 

w 

J 

hJ 

5 

WOUNDED. 

MISSING. 

General Staff. - - - - - 

1 



i 


l 


















3 




8th Regiment Light Dragoons, 


1 



1 







16 












18 

74 

24 

18 

27th ditto -ditto, - - - - 










1 


4 












5 

23 

36 

■ 29 

29th ditto ditto, - - - - 




i 



2 

1 


3 


12 












19 

78 

24 

10 

76th Regiment Foot, - - - 






2 




6 


35 












43; 




Artillery, ------ 











4 










3 



7] 




1st Regiment Native Cavalry, 








1 








1 








2 

27 

14 


2d ditto ditto, - r- - - . - 

























21 

13 

13 

3d ditto ditto, ----- 

















1 







1 

15 

9 

10 

4th ditto ditto, - - .- - - 

1 















1 

1 

8 






10 

23 

27 

22 

6th ditto ditto, ----- 
























4 

16 

7 

20 

2d Bat. 9th Regt. N. I. - - 


















4 






4 




2d Bat. 8th Regt. ditto, - - 


















1 






1 




1st ditto 12th d||to, - - .- 

j 

















2 






2 




2d ditto 12th ditto, - - - 
















2 

4 

15 






21 




1st ditto 15th ditto, - - - 






1 










1 


9 






11 




2d ditto ditto, ----- 










1 




1 




2 






4 




6 Companies 16th ditto, - - 

| 















2 


15 






17 




1 Company 1st Bat. 11th ditto, 

' 



























Grand Total 

1 1 

1 


2 

1 

1 4 

2 

2 

I 11 

4|67 


.1 

7 

6 

60 



3 



172' 

277 

154 

122 


• *. .. 

WOUNDED. 

Major-General. 

Colonel. 

Lieutenant-Colonels. 

Majors. 

Captains. 

Lieutenants. 

Quarter-Masters. 

Cornets. 

Ensigns. 

Serjeants. 

Matrosses. 

Rank and File. 

O 

X 

-1 

u 

s 

£ 

3 

Subadars. 

J emadars. 

Havildars. 

Naicks. 

Privates. 

Serangs. 

Tindals. 

Lascars. 

Beastie. 

Syces. 

Total wounded. 

General Staff, - -- -- -- - 



i 

1 

1 



















3 

8th Regiment Light Dragoons, - - - 






2 




3 


31 












36 

27th ditto ditto, ------- 





3 

1 

2 



2 


35 












43 

29th ditto ditto, - - - - - . - 





1 

2 

1 



6 


33 












43 

76th Regiment Foot, ------ 





1 

3 




16 


149 

1 











170 

Artillery, - -- -- -- -- 











6 










5 



11 

1st Regiment Native Cavalry, - - - 






1 









1 

3 


12 






17 

2d ditto ditto, - -- - - -- - 

















1 

9 






10 

3d ditto ditto, - -- -- -- - 














1 




8 






9 

4th ditto ditto, - - - - - - - 






1 









2 

2 


21 






26 

6th ditto ditto, - ------- 








1 










11 






12 

2d Bat. 9th Regt. N. I. - - - - - 
















1 

2 

9 






12 

2d Bat. 8th Regt. ditto, - - - - - 
















2 

1 

19 






22 

1st ditto 12th ditto, ------ 









1 






1 

2 

3 

14 






21 

2d ditto 12th ditto, ------ 




1 

1 

1 








1 

1 

2 

1 

72 






80 

1st ditto 15th ditto, ------ 


1 













1 

2 

1 

22 




1 


28 

2d ditto ditto, - - - -- -- - 














1 


4 

2 

26 






33 

6 Companies 16th ditto, - - - - - 



i 











1 


7 

7 

54 






70 

1 Company 1st Bat. 11th ditto, - - - 






1 






- 



1 

1 

1 

2 






6 

Grand Total 


1 

2 

2 

7 

12 

3 

1 

1 

27 

6 

248 

1 

4 

7 

26 

19 

279 



5 

1 


€25 
















































































































































U9 



List of Officers killed in the Action of the First of November , 1803 . 

Major General Charles Ware. 

GENERAL STAFF. 

Major William Campbell, deputy quarter-master-general—Lieutenant Duval, aid-de- 
camp to the commander in chief. 

HIS MAJESTY’S 8th REGIMENT LIGHT DRAGOONS. 

Colonel T. P. Vandeleur—Captain Story. 

HIS MAJESTY’S 29th REGIMENT LIGHT DRAGOONS. 

Major Griffith—Cornet Fitzgerald—Quarter Master Philley—Quarter Master R. 
M‘Goughy. 

1st REGIMENT NATIVE CAVALRY; 

Cornet CoxwelL 

HIS MAJESTY’S 76th REGIMENT FOOT. 

Lieutenant and Adjutant Meulh—Lieutenant Hurd. 

1st BATTALION 15th REGIMENT NATIVE INFANTRY. 

Lieutenant Lambert* 


List of Officers wounded in the Action of the First of November , 1803. 

GENERAL STAFF. 

Lieutenant Colonel Gerard, adjutant general—Major G. A. F. Lake, secretary to the 
commander in chief— Captain J. Campbell, gram agent attached to headquarters—Lieu¬ 
tenant Ashhurst, commanding the escort with his Excellency the commander in chief. 

HIS MAJESTY’S 8th REGIMENT LIGHT DRAGOONS. 

Lieutenant Lyndon, since dead—Lieutenant Wellard. 

HIS MAJESTY’S 27th REGIMENT LIGHT DRAGOONS. 

Captain White—Captain Mylne—Captain Sandys—Lieutenant Gore, major of brigade. 

HIS MAJESTY’S 29th REGIMENT LIGHT DRAGOONS. 

Lieutenant Holstead, since dead—Captain Sloane—Lieutenant Thorne—Quarter Master 
Tallen. 


Lieutenant Cornish, 
Lieutenant Reid. 


1st REGIMENT NATIVE CAVALRY. 
4th REGIMENT NATIVE CAVALR Y. 


6th REG, 


150 


6th REGIMENT NATIVE CAVALRY. 

Cornet Dixon. 

HIS MAJESTY’S 76th REGIMENT FOOT. 

Captain Robertson—Lieutenant Marston—Lieutenant Wibmer—Lieutenant Sinclair. 

1st BATTALION 12th REGIMENT NATIVE INFANTRY. 

Ensign Dalton. 

2d BATTALION 12th REGIMENT NATIVE INFANTRY. 

Major Gregory—Captain Fletcher—Lieutenant Ryan. 

1st BATTALION 15th REGIMENT NATIVE INFANTRY. 

Colonel Macdonald. 

2d BATTALION 16th REGIMENT NATIVE INFANTRY. 

Lieutenant Colonel White—Ensign G. Deane Heathcote. 

(Signed) J. GERARD, Adjutant General 

Report of the Ordnance, &(c. captured at Laswaree on the 1st November , 1803. 

Camp at Lasxuaree, 3d of November, 180S. 


Number of 
Gum. 

Nature. 

Remarks. 


1 

Brass 

18 pounder carronade. 



6 

Ditto 

16 ditto ditto. 

1 unserviceable. 


26 

Ditto 

6 pounders. 

4 unserviceable. 

£ r 

4 

Ditto 

4 ditto. 



16 

Ditto 

3 ditto. 

1 unserviceable. 

■§ § 

1 

DlttQ 

2f ditto. 

1 ditto. 


2 

Iron - 

16 ditto. 

1 ditto. 

« **•» 

2 

Ditto 

2\ ditto gallopers. 

1 

3 § 

2 

Ditto 

If ditto ditto. 


55 £ 

2 

Brass 

8 inch mortars. 


§ Is 

1 

Brass 

8 inch howitzer. 



4 

Ditto 

6 ditto ditto. 



1 

Ditto 5, 8 ditto ditto. 


* *§ 

1 

Ditto 

5, 4 ditto ditto. 



2 

Ditto 5, 2 ditto ditto. 


K 


71 Pieces of cannon of different calibres. 

64 Tumbrils complete, laden with ammunition, and 44 stand of colours. 

Ditto ditto blown up on the field of battle, the number not ascertained. 

The whole of the above-mentioned ordnance appears serviceable, with the exception of 
those mentioned in the remarks. 


The 









151 


The iron guns are of European manufacture. The brass guns, mortars, and howitzers have 
been cast in India, one Dutch six-pounder excepted. The dimensions are in general thosp of 
the French. The mortars and howitzers are furnished with elevating screws made, by a 
simple and ingenious adjustment, to give either of them the double capacity of mortar and 
howitzer. The ammunition is made up in the same manner as that taken at Delhi. 

57 Carts or hackrees laden with matchlocks, musquets, and stores, also twelve artificers 
carts. 

(Signed) J. GERARD, Adjt* Gent. 

(Signed) J. ROBINSON, Captain cortig. the Arty, 

Published by command of his Excellency 
^ The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sect, to the Govt . 


Fort William , November 19, 1803. 

ADVICES have been this day received by His Excellency the most noble 
the Governor General, from the resident at Hyderabad, under date the 6th 
instant, stating that intelligence had been received by his highness theSoobah* 
dar of the Dekan, of the' surrender of the city of Boorhanpore, to the forces 
under the command of Colonel Stephenson, bn the 16th of October ; and of 
the capitulation of the important fortress of Asseer Ghur on the 21st, to Colo¬ 
nel Stephenson. 

The garrison of Asseerghur are prisoners of war. 

The official accounts of these important successes have not yet been 
received from the honorable Major General Wellesley. 

Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 



GENERAL 




152 


general orders, 

By His Excellency the most noble the Governor General. 

Fort William , November 19, 1803. 

A royal salute to be fired from the ramparts of Fort William, at sun-set, in 
-honor of the surrender of the city of Boorhanpore, to the forces under the 
command of Colonel Stephenson, on the 16th of October; and of the 
capitulation of the important fortress of Asseer Ghur, on the 21st of October, 
to Colonel Stephenson. The garrison of Asseer Ghur are prisoners of war. 

By command of His Excellency, 

J. ARMSTRONG, 

Acting Military Secretary . 


Fort William, November 30, 1803. 

A DISPATCH, of which the following is a copy, has been this day 
received, by His Excellency the most noble the Governor General, from 
the Honorable Major General Wellesley. 

Campy November 6, 1803. 

My Loro, 

I How proceed to give your Excellency a detailed account of Colonel 

Stephenson’s operations against Asseer Ghur. 

On the 16th October, he advanced to Asseer Ghur, and encamped three 
miles south of the fort. The remains of the enemy's infantry had fled 
towards the Nerbuddah on the preceding day, in the state in which I 
reported them to be, in my letter of the 24th October* ; and Colonel Ste¬ 
venson therefore determined to attack Asseer Ghur. 

On the 18th he reconnoitred the fort, attended by a squadron of cavalry, 
and the native picquets of the infantry; and having seen a favourable 

* Not received. 


opportunity, 




153 


opportunity, attacked the Pettah and carried it, and made a lodgement 
within one hundred and fifty yards of the lower wall'of the fort. In the 
evening he reinforced the troops in the Pettah, by a battalion. 

On the 19th, all the preparations were made for carrying on the siege ; 
and two batteries were ready to open at two o’clock in the afternoon of the 
20th ; one to breach the upper wall, and another, of four brass twelve- 
pounders, to destroy the defences of the lower wall. 

On the 18th, Colonel Stevenson had sent a flag of truce to the Killedar to 
summon him to surrender the fort, to which message he did not receive a 
decided answer. The communication was continued ; but Colonel Steven¬ 
son did not relax his^operations against the fort, as there was reason to believe 
that the negotiation was carried on only to give time to Dowlut Rao Scin- 
diah to come to its relief. Before opening his batteries, Colonel Stevenson 
apprized the Killedar of the terms on which he should surrender the fort; 
which were, that the garrison should march out with their private property, 
and be allowed to go where they might think proper, and that their arrears 
should be paid to the amount of twenty thousand rupees. 

After the batteries had opened about an hour, a white flag was shewn from 
the walls of the fort, which was the signal which had been agreed upon in case 
the terms should be accepted , hostages were sent down, and an engagement 
made, that the fort should be delivered up on the following morning. It 
was accordingly evacuated; the garrison carried off their property in secu¬ 
rity, and received the sum agreed to be paid to them. 

Colonel Stevenson mentions, in high terms, the conduct of the officers and 
troops under his command; and I cannot omit to take this opportunity of 
expressing to your Excellency my sense of the merits of Colonel Stevenson, 
and of the body of troops under his command. Upon every occasion I have 
received from the Colonel the most cordial and zealous assistance; and the 
troops under his command are in the highest state of discipline and order, and 
fit for any service in which they can be employed. 

On the 16th, nine officers, four serjeants, and one matross, formerly in the 
service of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, delivered themselves up to Colonel Ste¬ 
venson, under your Excellency’s proclamation of the 29th August, v 

U I ffeve 


154 


I have the honor to enclose a list of their names, and a copy of the order 
issued by Colonel Stevenson to provide for their subsistence. Lieutenant 
Stuart also delivered himself up at Poonah in the end of the last month. I 
have called for accounts of the regulated pay and allowances which those 
persons received in the service of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, which I shall hereafter 
have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency. 

I have the honor to enclose a return of the killed and wounded of the 
troops, under the command of Colonel Stevenson, during the operations against 
Asseer-Ghur. Hereafter I shall have the honor of transmitting returns of the 
ordnance, stores, grain, and other property captured in that fort. 

I have the honor to be, My LoRp, 

With the greatest respect. 

Your Excellency’s most obedient. 

And faithful humble Servant, 

(Signed) ARTHUR WELLESLEY. 
His Excellency the Governor General 

Return of Killed, Wounded, and Missing, in the Corps composing the Subsidiary Force at 
the Siege of Asseer-Ghur. 

FIRST BATTALION 6th REGIMENT. ' 

1 Rank and file killed.—1 Drummer—4 Rank and file wounded. 

detachment corps of pioneers. 

1 Puckally killed—1 Pioneer wounded. 

(Signed) J. COLEBROOKE, 

Depty. Adjt. GenU Subsidiary Force. 

Camp, three Miles South of Asseer-Ghur, October 26, 1803. 


* 


Roll 


155 


Roll of Europeans in the Service of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, who have surrendered them- 
• selves'to Colonel James Stevenson. 


Names. 

Rank. 

Country. 

John James Dupon, 

Captain, 

Holland. 

John Mercier, 

Captain Lieutenant, 

France. 

Alexander Mars, 

Ensign, 

England. 

John Berdard, 

Ensign, 

Portugal. 

Jookeen Caumbra, 

Ensign, 

Portugal. 

John Padroos, 

Ensign, 

Portugal. 

Francis Carooile, 

Ensign, 

Portugal. 

Manuel Joaza, 

Ensign, 

Portugal. 

Joaza Castoo, 

Ensign, - 

Portugal. 

Anthony DalmaVd,N 

Serjeant, 

Portugal. 

Joseph Roman, 

Serjeant, 

Portugal. 

Joseph Anthony, 

Serjeant, 

Portugal. 

John Ammaral, 

Matross, 

Portugal. 

Name not ascertained. 

Ranks as Serjeant. 


(Signed) J. COLEBROOKE, 

Deputy Adjutant General Subsidiary Force. 

Camp at Boorhanpoor, October 16, 1803. 

Extract from G. O. by Colonel fames Stevenson, commanding the 
Subsidiary Force . 

The European officers and serjeants, who have this day been received from 
the service of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, and all Europeans who may in future 
come in from the service of that chief, or any power confederated with him, 
are to be under the charge of the deputy adjutant-general, and who will draw 
pay for them agreeable to rates which will be hereafter determined. 

A true extract, 

(Signed) J. COLEBROOKE, 

Depty. Adjt, Geril. Suby. Force. 
Camp at Boorhanpoor, 1 6th October, 1803. Ip 

Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 

U 2 Fort 








156 


Fort William , November 30, 1803. 

THE following extracts from dispatches, which have been received by His 
Excellency the most noble the Governor General, from His Excellency the 
Commander in Chief, and from the Honorable Major General Wellesley, are 
pubjisbed for general information. 


To His Excellency the most noble 

MARQUIS WELLESLEY, 


Governor General^ &c. &c. &c. 

My Lord, 

In the return of ordnance, &c. captured from the enemy in the action of 
the 1st instant, I omitted to mention to your Lordship that I had obtained 


upwards of sixteen hundred bullocks, several elephants, and horses, and a very 
large number of camels. 

Waggons have likewise been taken, containing a very great quantity of 
arms, besides the muskets, matchlocks, &c. thrown down on the field of 
battle, which amount to upwards of five thousand. 

One damaged piece of ordnance has been found in a well, into which it had 
been thrown by the enemy, which completes the return to seventy-two pieces 
of cannon. 


I have the honour to be, My Lord, 

Your Lordship’s most faithful and humble Servant, 

(Signed) G. LAKE. 


Head Quarters, Camp , near Gissowley , Nov. 9, 1803. 


To His Excellency the most noble 

MARQUIS WELLESLEY, 

Governor General , i$c. &c, &c. 

My Lord, 

Jan Khan Moatemmed-oad-Dowlah arrived in my camp a few days ago, 

sent 


i 


157 


sent by the king of Delhi, with a Khelaut to me, and with congratulations on 
the late important victory of Laswaree. 

Anxious to receive this public testimony of satisfaction at the success of the 
British arms, and His Majesty's private mark of favor, with every demonstration 
of respect and honor, I ordered a tent to be pitched without the precincts of 
my camp, for the reception of the ambassador, and proceeded thither yester¬ 
day morning, attended by my staff, and accompanied by a large escort of 
cavalry. 

I received His Majesty’s congratulations, and the dress which he did me the 
honor to send me, with the necessary form and ceremony. 

Having returnpd^ny public acknowledgments to His Majesty, and testified 
the high sense I entertained of the honor conferred on me, I returned to my 
camp, highly gratified by the evident marks of pleasure and satisfaction which 
I perceived in His Majesty’s ambassador, and in every Mussulman who was a 
spectator of the ceremony. 

I have the honor to be. My Lord, 

Your Lordship’s most faithful and humble servant, 

(Signed) G. LAKE. 

Head Quarters, Camp, Fahisser , November 17, 1803. 



His EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR GENERAL. 

Camp, 30 Miles North from Aurungabad, October 10, 1803. 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter which I have received from 
Captain O’Donnell, of the 1st regiment of cavalry, in which he gives a de¬ 
tailed account of an affair of no very great importance, but in which he and 
the detachment of troops under his command appear to have conducted them¬ 
selves in an exemplary manner. 

I likewise enclose the copy of an order, which I have issued to the troops 
under my command upon this occasion. 

The 


158 


The party which attacked Captain O’Donnell are a banditti, which infest 
the frontiers of His Highness the Soubah of the Dekan, and that of His High¬ 
ness the Peishwah 5 and are formidable from their numbers and boldness. It 
does not appear that they belong to any particular chief, although it is said 
that they belong to the late Killedar of Ahmednuggur; but I have reason to 
believe that this person discharged all his troops, and that he joined Dowlut 
Rao Scindiah in camp. 

As there is no established authority, or even an acknowledged boundary on 
any part of the frontier, and the killedars and other officers on both sides have 
been in the habit of carrying on private wars against each other, I am in¬ 
duced to believe that they have encouraged this bandittyfor the purposes of 
their own wars. While I was on the frontier, of course their operations ceased * 
but they have now recommenced them, and I suspect that they are too strong 
for their former employers. 

I have the honour to be, My Lord, 

Your Excellency’s most obedient. 

And faithful humble Servant, 

(Signed) ARTHUR WELLESLEY. 

His Excellency the Governor General . 



To Captain BARCLAY, 

Deputy Adjutant General of Mysore , &c. &c. 

Sir, 

I have to request you will acquaint the Honorable Major General Wellesley 
with my return to this station, accompanied by Lieutenant Bryant and Morgan, 
and the detachment of the 1 st battalion 12 th regiment native infantry, as also 
the circumstances which obliged us to adopt this plan. On the morning of 
the 27th ultimo, as the detachment approached the mud fort of Kurjet, about 
twenty-two coss to S.S.E. of this place, we perceived a body of Peons drawn up 
a little to the left of the place. I immediately ordered a Jemadar and twelve 

Sepoys 


.159 


Sepoys to conduct the followers and baggage then up under the walls of the fort, 
and with the remainder I advanced to reconnoitre, and learn who they belonged 
to. As we advanced they continued to retire. On ascending a small rising 
ground, I was much surprised at discovering a large body of horse drawn up in 
the bed of a Nullah, and not more than seven hundred yards in front of the 
ground which our little party then occupied. In this situation, I was under the 
necessity of returning to the fort. While marching back, the horse made two 
efforts to get between us and the place, but failed in both, and suffered some 
loss in the attempt. It was some time before I could get admittance into the 
fort; on entering, I ordered.Lieutenant Morgan, with twenty-five Sepoys, to 
take post at the principal gateway, and accompanied by Lieutenant Bryant, 
and the remainder of the Sepoys, I proceeded to examine the size and state 
of the place. We had not proceeded more than half way round, when we 
were obliged to return to the assistance of the party left at the gate. I had 
just joined Mr. Morgan, and formed the whole of the Sepoys, when about three 
hundred of the enemy’s infantry entered at different parts of the fort, and 
advanced within one hundred yards of us; they kept up a galling fire upon our 
people for about half an hour, killed one Sepoy, and wounded two more. Our 
situation at this time was extremely precarious, without some immediate step 
was taken to oblige the enemy to leave the place. We could spare but fifty 
men to oppose three hundred, without giving up the gate, through which the 
whole of their cavalry might attack us in rear. However, with this little 
party we sallied out on them, and pursued them from street to street until we 
drove them entirely out of the place. Their loss must have been very consi¬ 
derable ; they left twenty-five men killed behind them, mostly Arabs. About 
two hours after this they entered the fort a second time, more in numbers, and 
we again drove them out with great loss on their side. From the great extent 
of the place, and its being accessible at so many different places, even for 
cavalry, I found it utterly impossible to keep them out; add to this, our 
ammunition was nearly expended. The villagers would render no assistance, 
on the contrary, encouraged the enemy to come in, and gave them every infor¬ 
mation regarding our situation. During the night of the 27th, I employed the 

whole 


160 


whole of the followers of every description in barricadoing the different streets 
leading to the post we had taken up, procured water for the people to serve 
them during the day, and acquainted Captain Graham, at Ahmednuggur, with 
our situation. 

About seven o’clock in the morning of the 28th I learned that a large party 
had taken post in the second killedar’s house, though the day before he posi¬ 
tively refused to admit a small party of Sepoys, even to procure a little water, 
which we were much distressed for the want of. About eight, I could 
plainly see from the works over the gate that the place was crowded with 
both horse and foot, and that they were preparing to attack. At ten, they 
opened a heavy fire of musketry on us, from tops of the .principal houses in 
the fort, and continued this for the space of two hours without being able to 
hurt any of our people: gaining confidence from our silence, they advanced on 
us from all the places accessible around. By this time I had sixty brave fel¬ 
lows ready to receive them, which they did in the most gallant manner, and 
in return attacked them and drove them from every part of the fort; took 
their standard, killed one of the sirdars, and about fifty of the men. This 
was the last time they attempted to disturb us, and we remained this and the 
whole of the next day perfectly quiet. The cavalry, to the amount of ten or 
twelve hundred, still continued to hover about the place. Captain Lucas, 
with three companies of the 2d battalion 3d regiment, arrived on the morning 
of the 30th, and relieved us from our disagreeable situation. 

I feel it a duty, which I most cheerfully fulfil, in reporting to you. Sir, the 
cordial and able assistance I received during this short but active service from 
Lieutenants Bryant and Morgan, and I in part attribute to their gallant exer¬ 
tions the saving of our little detachment from total destruction. The Sepoys 
in general I have reason to be pleased with their conduct, as also of that 
part of the native officers belonging to the 1st battalion 12th regiment native 
infantry. 

Allow me now. Sir, to entertain the pleasing hope that our little exertions 
on the present occasion may meet with the approbation of the Honourable 
General Wellesley. 

Herewith 


161 


Herewith I beg leave to enclose a return of killed, wounded^ and missing. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, 

Your obedient and humble Servant, 

(Signed) H. O’DONNELL, 

Captain 1st Regiment of Cavalry . 

Akmednuggur , October , 3, 1803. 

(True Copy) (Signed) P. BARCLAY, 

Depty. Adjt. General Mysore. 


i _ 

"Extract from General Orders , by the Honorable Major General IVellesley , 
dated Camp at Binkenholey y io th October , 1803. 

Major General Wellesley has received a report from Captain O’Donnell of 
the 1st regiment of cavalry, from which it appears, that being on his march from 
Ahmednuggurto join the division of the army under the command of Major Gene¬ 
ral Campbell, with a company of the 1st battalion 12th regiment under Lieute¬ 
nant Morgan, and the supernumerary native non-commissioned officers, here¬ 
tofore belonging to corps in camp, and lately drafted into the extra battalions, 
he was attacked by a body of horse and of peons, of such numbers as to in¬ 
duce Captain O'Donnell to think it necessary to take post in the village of 
Corjet Caraygaum. 

Here the attack was renewed upon this party with additional violence, and 
Captain O’Donnell finding that his post was a bad one, and at all events too 
large for his party, barricadoed, and otherwise strengthened such parts of it as 
he was of opinion he could defend. He there remained with his small party 
without throwing away his ammunition, excepting when he could do it with 
effect injudicious sallies, in three of which he killed a number of the enemy, 
far exceeding that of his party, which remained in security till it was relieved 
from Ahmednuggur, at the distance of above forty miles. 

Major General Wellesley returns his thanks to Captain O'Donnell, and 
Lieutenant Bryant of the 1st regiment of cavalry, and to Lieutenant Morgan 

X and 


162 


and the company of the 1st battalion 12th regiment, under his command, for 
their conduct upon this occasion. 

He has been particular in detailing the circumstances of this affair in Gene¬ 
ral Orders, in order that all officers may know the advantage which, with a 
small party of men, they may take even of the most ruinous village, to protect 
themselves and the parties of troops under their command. 

To the division of the army under his command, it was scarcely necessary 
for Major General Wellesley to point out, that a small body of infantry, that 
keeps its order and reserves its fire, has but little to fear from cavalry. But in 
case any officer in charge of a party should be obliged, from circumstances, to 
take post, he sees, in the example set by Captain O’DonneJfythe advantages he 
can take of the numerous fortified villages in this country, and the credit he 
can gain, and the service he can render, by thus defending himself. 

Major General Wellesley will not fail to report to the commander in chief 
his sense of the conduct of Captain O’Donnell and of the party under his 
command. 

A true extract, 

(Signed) P- BARCLAY, 

Depy. Adjt. Genl, Mysore . 



His EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR GENERAL. 

Camp at Cheese Kair, November 2, 1803. 

My Lord, 

After I had sent off my dispatch to your Excellency of the 24th of 
October, I received authentic accounts that the Rajah of Berar had passed 
through the hills which form the boundary of Candeisli, and had moved to¬ 
wards the river Godavery. I therefore ascended the Adjuntee Ghaut on the 
25th, and continued my march to the southward on the 26th, and passed 
Aurungabad on the 29th. 

2. The Rajah had advanced gradually to the eastward, and was at Lakee- 
gaun, about twenty miles north from Puttun, when I arrived at Aurungabad $ 
3 and 


163 


and between that night and the night of the 31st, during the whole of which 
time I was in his neighbourhood, he moved his camp five times. 

3. On the 31st he detached a body, consisting of 5000 horse, to endeavour 
to intercept a convoy, consisting of 14,000 bullocks, which was going for¬ 
ward to join the troops on the frontier. This convoy was protected by three 
companies of the 2d of the 3d Madras native infantry, with two 3-pounders, 
under Captain Baynes; which detachment, with 400-Mysore horse, has for 
some time been employed in convoying grain from the districts south of the 
Godavery to my camp, and by a company from the subsidiary force, and two 
companies from the corps serving at Hyderabad, under the command of Cap¬ 
tain Seton. f] 

4. They had marched from the Godavery on the morning of the 31st, and 
reached Amber, where they were attacked, and they succeeded in beating 
off the enemy, and in securing the convoy, which arrived in safety in my camp 
yesterday, notwithstanding the great Superiority of numbers by which they 
were attacked. 

5. I have the honor to enclose copies of the reports of this action, which I 
have received from Captain Baynes; upon which I have to observe, that it 
affords another instance of what can be done by disciplined infantry, deter¬ 
mined to do their duty, against very superior numbers of cavalry. 

6. I beg leave also to take this opportunity to draw your lordship’s notice 
to the Mysore cavalry under Bishnapah Pundit. This corps, which consists 
of 2000 men, have performed all the light troops duties of this division of the 
army, since I was detached from the Toombudra in the month of March last; 
they have performed the duties with the utmost cheerfulness, and a zeal which 
I have never before witnessed in troops of this description. They have fre¬ 
quently been engaged with the enemy’s light troops, have always conducted 
themselves well, and have lost many men and horses. 

I have the honor to be. My Lord, 

Your Excellency’s most obedient 

And faithful humble Servant, 

(Signed) ARTHUR WELLESLEY. 

X 2 (COPY) 


164 


(COPY.) 

To CAPTAIN BARCLAY, 

Deputy Adjutant General, &c. 


Si 


I beg you will report to the Honorable Major General Wellesley, that I 
was attacked this day, about two o’clock P. M. by about four or five thousand 
horse They came on at first as if determined to charge, but receiving a tew 
shots from our guns they retired, and though they frequently came near us, 
as if to charge, and some of them within musket shot, they were always driven 
back. Our loss is one European wounded, two sepoys winded, and some 
Mysoreans killed and wounded, besides a few (perhaps three) horses killed. 
The loss of the enemy is much greater, particularly m horses. . egjou o 
say to the general, that I shall take post till I receive his instructions. I write 
this by moonlight, which will, I hope, apologize for haste. We were under 
arms till about sunset, at which time they were out of sight. 

(Signed) THO. BAYNES* 

Capt. Comdg. a DetchL 

Umber, October , 31, 1803* 


To CAPTAIN BARCLAY, 

Deputy Adjutant General , 6?r. 

Sir 

I last night had: the honor to inform you, that I had repulsed a body of 
Bhonselah’s horse,' and have now (for the information of the Honourable 
Major General Wellesley) to make you more fully informed of the circum- 
stances. 

I arrived with my convoy about twelve o’clock, and encamped near the 
town, with my right flank to it, and my rear protected by a hill. At two_ 
o’clock P. M. the attack began (without more than ten minutes warning o 
their approach) by throwing great numbers of rockets, and advancing upon 

our left: this obliged me to change my front by wheeling to the left; at the 

same 


165 


same time some of them were within musket shot. I then opened my guns, 
which stopped their approach; they at this time moved round, as if to gain the 
rear, where the Brinjarees were. This movement obliged me to detach a 
party to cover them, and having previously posted a company on the hill on 
my rear, my line became very small. To prevent their knowing my exact 
strength, I drew up the Mysore horses in our line.. They came on repeat¬ 
edly, as if to charge, but were always stopped by our guns. They continued 
to rocket us till dark,when they retired. I am sorry to add that one hundred of 
the Gram bullocks were carried off,, and some Brinjaree bullocks (perhaps one 
hnndred) while at grass. I have the honor to enclose a list of the killed and 
wounded. ( 

: (Signed) THOS. BAYNES, 

Capt. Comdg. a Detachment * 


Li $ t of Casualties in the Attack by the Marhatta Horse , October 31 , 1803 . 


His majesty’s 78 regiment . 


wounded. 

2d battalion Madras artillery .... 


do. 

2d ditto of 2d regiment native infantry three do. 

do. 

2d ditto of 3d do. 


do. 

2d ditto of 5th do. 


do. 


Total—one private of the 78th regiment, and five Sepoys, wounded. 

Mysore Cavalry , wounded ,, killed , and missing . 

Wounded. Killed. Missing. 

Men 1 3 o' 

Horse 5 1 2 

(Signed) 


True Copies, 

(Signed) 


THO. BAYNES, 

Capt. Comdg. a Detachment . 

R. BARCLAY, 

Deputy Adjutant General 


Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, 

' Chief Sec. to the Government. 

JFort 






166 


Fort William , December 5, 1803. 

HIS Excellency the most noble the Governor General has this day received 
from the Honorable Major General Wellesley a dispatch, dated Jaum No¬ 
vember 11, 1803, communicating the intelligence that a Vakeel had been 
sent to Major General Wellesley, by Dowlut Rao Scindiali, to treat for 

peace, and had arrived in Major General Wellesley’s camp. 

The name of this Vakeel, who is a person of high family, is Jeswunt Rao 
Goorpara, and he is the nephew of the late Morari Rao of Gooty. The usual 
visits of ceremony had taken place, and the first coherence had been 
held between Major General Wellesley and the VakdelV Dowlut Rao 
Scindiah, on the subject of peace. 

Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, 

Chief Sec. to the Govt . 


Fort William , December 14 , 1803 . 

A DISPATCH, of which the following is an extract, has been this day 

received by His Excellency the most noble the Governor General, from t e 

Honorable Major General Wellesley. j , 

Camp, Ferdapore , October 24 , 1803 . 

My Lord, ' 

I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that Colonel 
took possession of the city of Boorhanpoor, without opposition, on the 16th 
instant; he marched to Asseer-Ghur on the 17th, took 1?°^°" of t e 
Pettahon the 18th, opened a battery against the fort on the -Oth, and o 
tained possession of it on the morning of the 21 st. I have not yet receive a 
detailed account of the manner in which Colonel Stevenson obtained possession 




167 


of this important fortress, or whether he sustained any loss in the attack of the 
Pettah on the 18th, or of the fort. 

2. After I had arrived abPoolmery, about sixteen miles north from Aurun- 
gabad, I found that the enemy did not advance to the southward, as I had been 
informed they first intended; and in the night of the 15th I received a particu¬ 
lar account of the disposition of their troops, baggage, &c. which convinced 
me that they intended to interrupt Colonel Stevenson’s operations at Asseer- 
Ghur. 

3. I therefore marched on the 16th to the northward, and descended the 
Ghaut on the 19th. Scindiah had moved to the northward, but he halted as 
soon as he foun^ fhad returned; and he was yesterday at Aboon on the 
Taptee. The Rajah of Berar has separated from him, and, it is said, has gone 
towards Chandore. I suspect that the report has been circulated with a view 
to draw me to the southward again; but, as Colonel Stevenson has got pos¬ 
session of Asseer-Ghur, and is fully equal to any thing that can be sent against 
him, it is my intention to reascend the Ghaut immediately. 

4. Sixteen officers and serjeants belonging to the Campoos have joined 
Colonel Stevenson, under your Excellency’s proclamation of the 29th of 
August. I will hereafter send a list of their names, and an account of the pay 
each is to receive. The infantry retired towards the Nerbudda, when Colonel 
Stevenson approached Boorhanpoor, and, by all accounts, it is'completely 
destroyed and disorganized. It is impossible to form it into corps again, and 
it is not probable that it will ever be of any service to Dowlut Rao Scindiah. 

5. I have directed Colonel Stevenson to leave a garrison in Asseer-Ghur, and 
to deliver the districts depending upon that fortress to the charge of the ser¬ 
vants of the Soobah of the Dekan. Your Excellency will observe that this is 
the last of the possessions of Dowlut Rao Scindiah in the Dekan; and the 
operations of the troops will now be directed against those of the Rajah of 
Berar. 

I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

With the greatest respect. Your Excellency’s 
Most obedient and faithful humble Servant, 
ARTHUR WELLESLEY. 

The 


168 


The detailed account of the siege and surrender of Asseer-Ghur was pub¬ 
lished in the Calcutta Gazette Extraordinary of the 1st of December, 1803. 
Major General Wellesley’s original dispatch, dated the 25th of October, 1803, 
has not been received. The foregoing extract is taken from the duplicate 
copy of that dispatch, which reached Fort William this morning. 

Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt 

, * V j 


Fort William , December 14, 1803. 

ADVICES have been this day received from Lieutenant Colonel P. Powell, 
dated Camp at Calpee, the 4th December, 1803, communicating the satis¬ 
factory information of the surrender of the fort of Calpee to the detachment 
under the command of Colonel Powell, at eleven o’clock on the forenoon of 
that day. 

The Killadar having refused to surrender the fort on the summons of Colonel 
Powell, a battery of two 18-pounders and one howitzer was constructed within 
two hundred yards of the walls, and opened soon after day-light on the 4th. 
A heavy fire was kept up till eleven A. M. when the garrison proposed to 
surrender, and was permitted to march out with their arms and private pro¬ 
perty. The fortress was immediately occupied by a detachment of British 
troops. 

Captain D. Macleod, of the 2d battalion 11th regiment native infantry, 
received a severe wound while employed on duty at the battery, and one Sepoy 
was also wounded : no other casualties of any description have occurred. 

The inhabitants at Calpee have manifested the greatest confidence in the 
British government, and satisfaction at the treatment which they experienced 

from 




169 


from Lieutenant Colonel Powell. Many of the inhabitants, who had quitted 
their habitations on the approach of the British troops, returned to the town 
immediately after the surrender of the fort to Colonel Powell. 

Published by command of 

His Excellency the most noble 

The Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, 

Chief Sec . to the Govt. 

v ’ ' 

i IIJTPT'' f ' Cjv-OMJB 

I . j : V- •• V ; .* : ' • i. , ‘ 


Y 


APPENDIX 




170 


APPENDIX E. 


Return of the Ordnance, Ammunition, and Colours, taken from the Enemy from the Sthof August until 
the i st of November, IS03, according to the Official Returns which have been received by the Governor 
General. 


Baroach, - 15th August, 
Aly-Ghur, - 4th September, 
Delhi, - 11th ditto, 

Assye, - 23d ditto, 

Agra, (Town) 10th October, 
Bundelcund, 13th ditto, 

Agra, (For.t) 17 th ditto, 
Cottack, - - ditto, 

Laswaree, - 1st November. 

Stands of 
Colours. 

Guns. 

Howit¬ 

zers. 

Mortars. 

Wall 

Pieces. 

1 f { 

Muskets. 

Tumbrils. 

Carts. 

Brass. 

Iron. 

15 

7 

4 

44 

33 

52 

69 

26 

2 

76 

54 

60 

8 

22 

86 

7 

4 

7 ' 
7 

9 

2 

1 

2 

182 

5000 

37 

26 

2 

33 

64 

29 

57 

Total 

| 70 

312 

183 

27 

5 

182 

5000 

162 

86 


Abstract —Brass guns 

312 

Iron ditto 

183 

Howitzers 

27 

Mortars 

5 

Wall pieces 

182 


709 Besides four pieces of ordnance thrown into the river 
- Kaitna by the enemy at the battle of Assye. 


N.B. The ordnance enumerated in this return is exclusive of the ordnance captured at Delhi, Ferozeabad, 
Ahmednuggur, Jalnapoor, Baroach, Powanghur, Cuttack, Boorhanpoor, and Asseer Ghur, of which the official 
returns have not yet been received at Fort William. 


A DIS- 





















171 


Fort William , December 25, 1803. 

A DISPATCH, of which the following is a copy, has been this day 
received by His Excellency the most noble the Governor General, from the 
Honorable Major General Wellesley. 


My Lord, 


Camp at Farterly, November 30, 1803. 


Having found that the Rajah of Berar was moving towards his own terri¬ 
tories, that the body of troops he had with him was but small, and decreasing 
in numbers daily, and not likely to do much mischief to the territories of the 
Soubah of the Discan, I descended the Ghauts by Rajoora on the ( ) in 

order to support and cover Colonel Stevenson’s operations against Gawilghur 
in Berar. 

Colonel Stevenson had equipped his corps at Asseer-Ghur for the siege of 
that fort, and had marched to Ballapore, where'he was joined on the 24th by 
the Brinjarries, and other supplies which had been saved from the enemy by 
Captain Baynes’s affair at Amber; and he marched forward on the 


26 th. 

Your Excellency has been informed that on the 34d I had consented to a 
suspension of hostilities with the troops of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, in this 
quarter and Guzzerat. The condition on which this agreement depended, viz. 
that Scindiah should occupy a position twenty coss to the east of Elichpour, 
had not been carried into execution; and Scindiah was encamped at Sersooly 
about four miles from the camp of Munnoo Bappoo*, which was at this place. 
The army of the former consisted only of cavalry; that of the latter was 
cavalry ; a great part, if not the whole of Ragojee Bhooslah’s regular infantry; 
and a large proportion of artillery. 

In the course of the 28th, the Vakeels from Dowlut Rao Scindiah urgently 
pressed me not to attack these troops ; but I informed them repeatedly that 
there was no suspension of arms with Ragojee Bhooslah j and none with 


Brother to the Rajah of Berar. 

Y2 


Scindiah 


172 


Scindiah till he should comply with the terms of his agreement; and that 
I should certainly attack the enemies of the Company wherever I should 
find them. 

Colonel Stephenson's division and mine both marched to this place yester¬ 
day ; the colonel having with great prudence and propriety halted on the 
28th at Hattee Andorah, to enable me to co-operate in the attack of the 
enemy. We found, on our arrival, that the armies of both chiefs had de¬ 
camped ; and I could perceive, from a tower in Parterly, a confused mass, 
about two miles beyond Sersooly and Scindiah’s old camp, which I concluded 
to be their armies in march. 

The troops had marched a great distance on a very hot day, and therefore I 
did not think it proper to pursue them; but, shortly after 1 our arrival here, 
bodies of horse appeared in our front, with which the Mysore horse skirmished 
during a part of the day; and when I went out to push forward the picquets 
of the infantry, to support the Mysore cavalry, and to take up the ground of our 
encampment, I could perceive distinctly a long line of infantry, cavalry, and 
artillery, regularly drawn up on the plains of Argaum, immediately in front of 
that village, and about six miles from this place, at which I intended to en¬ 
camp. 

Although late in the day, I immediately determined to attack this army: 
accordingly, I marched on in one column, the British cavalry leading, in a 
direction nearly parallel to that of the enemy’s line, covering the rear and left 
by the Mogul and Mysore cavalry. 

The enemy’s infantry and guns were in the left of their centre, with a body 
of cavalry on their left. Scindiah’s army, consisting of one very heavy body of 
cavalry, was in the right, having upon its right a body of Pindaries and other 
light troops. Their line extended above five miles, having in their rear the 
village and extensive gardens and enclosures of Argaum, and in their front a 
plain, which however was much cut by water*courses, &c. &c. 

I formed the army in two lines; the infantry in the first, the cavalry in the 
second, and supporting the right, and the Mogul and Mysore cavalry the left, 
nearly parallel to that of the enemy j with the right rather advanced to press 
upon the enemy’s left. Some little time elapsed before the lines could be 

2 formed. 


173 


formed, owing to part of the infantry of my division which led the column 
having got into some confusion. When formed, the whole advanced in the 
greatest order ; the 74th and 78th regiments were attacked by a large body 
(supposed to be Persians), and all these were destroyed. Scindiah’s cavalry 
charged the 1st battalion 6th regiment, which was on the left of our line, and 
were repulsed; and the whole line retired in disorder before our troops, leaving 
in our hands thirty-eight pieces of cannon, and all their ammunition. 

The British cavalry then pursued them for several miles, and destroyed great 
numbers, and took many elephants and camels, and much baggage. The 
Mogul and Mysore cavalry also pursued the fugitives, and did them great 
mischief. Some of the latter are still following them; and I have sent out 
this morning ah’ the Mysore, Mogul, and Marhatta cavalry, in order to secure 
as many advantages from this victory as can be gamed, and complete the 
enemy’s confusion. 

For the reasons stated in the commencement of this letter, the action did not 
begin till late in the day, and, unfortunately, sufficient day-light did not remain 
to do all that I could have wished; but the cavalry continued their pursuit by 
moonlight, and all the troops were under arms till a late hour in the night. 

I have the honor to enclose a return of our loss in this action. The troops 
conducted themselves with their usual bravery. The 74th and 78th regiments 
had a particular opportunity of distinguishing themselves, and have deserved 
and received my thanks. I am also much indebted to Colonel Stevenson for 
the advice and assistance I received from him; to the Honorable Lieu¬ 
tenant Colonel St. Leger for the manner in which he led on the British cavalry; 
and to Lieutenant Colonels Wallace, Adams (who commanded Lieut. Cel. 
Harness’s brigade, the latter being absent on account of severe indisposition); 
Haliburton, Macleane, Pogson, and Major Huddlestone, who commanded 
brigades of cavalry and infantry ; to Major Campbell, commanding the 94lh 
regiment; to Captain Beauman, commanding the artillery, with the division 
under-my immediate command; to Captain Burke, commanding the artillery, 
with the subsidiary force; and to the officers of the staff, with my division, and 
belonging to the subsidiary force. 

I have also to inform your Excellency that the Mogul cavalry, under Solabut 

Khan 


174 


Khan, and the Mysore cavalry, under Bistnapah Pundit, distinguished them¬ 
selves. The former took a standard from Scindiah’s troops. 

The Marhatta cavalry were not engaged, as the person who went to them 
with orders missed his road. Amrut Rao was not in the action, as he had 
encamped some distance in my rear on the 28th, and he could not march the 
whole distance to Parterly. yesterday morning; but he sent for orders as soon 
as he heard that I intended to attack the enemy. 

I propose to march to-morrow towards Gawil-Ghur* and I shall lose no time 
in attacking that place. 

I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

Your Excellency’s most obedient 

And faithful humble Servant, 

(Signed) ARTHUR WELLESLEY. 


Return of the Killed , Wounded, and Missing , of the troops under the Com¬ 
mand of Major General the honorable Arthur Wellesley, on the 
29th November 1803 , in the Action , on the Plains of Argaum , with the 
United armies of Dowlut Rao Scindiah , and the Rajah of Berar, com¬ 
manded by the Maharaje , and Munnoo Bappoo , Brother to the Rajah 
of Berar. 

The Troops composing the Honorable Major General Wellesley’s 
Division of the Army. 

H. M. 19 th Lt Dragoons .— Wounded 1 quarter master and 5 privates. 

H. C. Uh Regt. Nat. Cavalry. —Killed l trooper, 1 officer’s and 1 regimental horse— 
Wounded 1 trooper, 1 horse—Missing 6 horses. 

H. C. 5th Regt. Nat. Cavalry.— Killed 1 horse. 

H. C. 1th Regt. Nat. Cavalry.— Killed 3 horses—Wounded 2 horses—Missing 1 trooper, 
3 horses. 

Artillery.— Killed 2 Lascars— Wounded 1 corporal, 1 gunner, 4 matrosses, 11 gun 
lascars. 


H. M. 


175 


H. M. 14th Regt.— Killed 1 serjeant, 3 rank and file—Wounded 1 lieutenant 5 serjeants, 
1 drummer and 41 rank and file. 

H. M. 18th Regt. —Killed 1 serjeant and 8 privates—Wounded 2 serjeants, 5 corporals, 
and 31 privates. 

1st Bat. 2d. Regt. Nat. Infantry. —Killed 1 drummer, 1 sepoy recruit—Wounded 3 
naiks, 9 sepoys—Missing 1 sepoy recruit. 

iJf Beit. 3 d Regt. Nat.Inf antry. —Killed 5 sepoys—Wounded 1 lieutenant, 2subadars, 1 je- 
midar, 1 havildar, 3 naiks, 1 drummer, 28 sepoys. 

1st Bat. 4th. Regt. Nat. Infantry. —Killed 1 havildar, 2 sepoys—Wounded 1 quarter¬ 
master serjeant, 1 naik, 28 sepoys. 

1st Bat. 8th Reg. Nat. Infantry. —Wounded 2 drummers 1 sepoy—Missing 1 sepoy. 

Is* Bat. 10th. Regt. Nat. Infantry. —Killed 1 jemidar,' 1 havildar, 2 rank and file— 
Wounded’l subidar, 3 rank and file—Missing 1 rank and file. 

2 d Bat. 12th Regt. Nat. Infantry.-— Killed 3 sepoys—Wounded 1 captain, 1 havildar, 
and 7 sepoys. 

Officers wounded. —Captain J. M. Vernon, 2d bat. 12th nat. infantry.—Lieut. Langlands, 
H. M. 74th regt. and Lieut. A Turner, 1st bat. 3d reg. native infantry. 

The officer’s horse killed, belonging to Lieut. J. J. Meredith, 4th regiment natjve cavalry. 



The Troops composing the Subsidiary Force of His Highness the 

Soubah of the Dekan. 

3 d Regt. Nat. Cavalry. —Killed 1 farrier, 3 horses—Wounded 1 serjeant-major, 1 havildar, 
1 naik, 5 troopers, and 3 horses. 

6th Regt. Nat. Cavalry. —Killed 9 horses—Wounded 1 lieutenant, 1 naik, 3 troopers, 1 
officer’s and 2 regimental horses—Missing 2 horses. 

Artillery. —Killed 1 horse—Wounded 2 captains, 1 gunner, 2 matrosses, and 1 first tindal. 

H. M. 94th Regt.—Killed 2 rank and file—Wounded 3 lieutenants, 1 serjeant, 1 drum¬ 
mer, 32 rank and file— Missing 2 rank and file. 

2 d Bat. 2 d Regt. Nat. Infantry.—Killed 1 havildar, 4 sepoys—Wounded 2 naiks, 13 
sepoys. 

Is* Bat. 6th Regt. Nat. Infantry.— Wounded 1 puckally. 

2 d Bat. 1th Regt. Nat. Infantry .—Wounded 1 havildar, 1 naik. 


2 d Bat. 


176 


2d Bat, 9th Regt, Nat. Infantry.— Killed 3 sepoys—Wounded 1 havildar, 8 sepoys. 

Is* Bat. Hth Regt. Nat. Infantry,— Killed 1 sepoy—Wounded 10 sepoys—Missing 1 
sepoy. 

2d Bat. 11 Regt. Nat.Infantry,—SNo\\\\fe.& 10 sepoys. 

Officers wounded.— Captains Burke and Dalrymple of the artillery.— Lieutenant Barnby, 
6th regiment cavalry.—Lieutenants James Donald, John Robertson, and Frederick 
Campbell, of His Majesty’s 94th regiment. 

Officers ’ horses killed, —Captain Burkes—Wounded Brigade Major Conway’s. 



Abstract of the Killed , Wounded , and Missing . 



Europeans. 

Natives. 

Horses. 


Killed. 

Wounded. 

Missing. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

bh 

,a 

w 

§ 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Missing. 

The Hon. Maj.Gen.Wellesley’sdiv.ofthe army. 

13 

101 


21 

93 

4 

6 

3 

9 

The troops composing the subsidiary force. 

2 

44 

2 

10 

55 

1 

18 

6 

2 

Total 

15 

145 

2 

1 31 

148 

5 1 

24 

9 

11 


(Signed) B. BARCLAY, Dept. Adjt. Gen. Mysore.- 

Published by command of His Excellency 

The most noble the Governor General in Council, 

J. LUMSDEN, Chief Sec. to the Govt. 


larayea GoYlcOaSgoiM 

GIPGAUlf l 



Extract 




































177 


Extract of a Letter from the Governor in Council at Bombay to the Secret 
Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company , dated 
Dec. 31, 1803. 

WE have not received any advices from the Honorable General Wellesley 
of a later date than the 5 th instant, nor are we in possession of intelligence of 
the operations of the army under his command of a date subsequent to his 
report to us of the victory obtained on the plains of Argaum, on the 29 th 
ultimo, as per duplicate, now forwarded, with our address, to the Honorable 
Court of the 12th December* : nor has any private intelligence reached from 
the same quarmr*for these twenty days past, at which period the siege of the 
hill fort of Gyaul Ghur was about to be entered on. 

* N. B. Neither the address of this date, nor the duplicate above mentioned, has been 
received at the India House. 



z 




















